First Blush Cherry

First Blush Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'JFS-KW14')

First Blush Cherry is a distinctive ornamental cherry noted for soft pink spring flowers and foliage that emerges pink-blushed, then develops creamy variegation before maturing green; its narrow, upright to oval crown provides four-season interest for streetscapes and compact residential sites.

Distinctive Features

Showy single blossoms precede leaves that flush pink and often display cream-splashed margins in cool weather; polished cherry-brown bark with pale lenticels adds winter appeal, and fall color warms to orange-red.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest bloom, foliage color, and canopy density; light afternoon shade in hot-summer regions.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam; tolerates light clay if drainage is improved.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; provide deep soaks in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 20 to 30 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide.
• Bloom Time: Mid spring, usually before or with leaf-out.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Pink bloom and variegated new growth create a luminous spring statement.
• Allee or Streetside: Upright habit repeats elegantly along drives and sidewalks.
• CourtYard Accent: Narrow footprint suits small urban and suburban spaces.
• Mixed Border: Four-season bark and foliage contrast enrich shrub and perennial plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture the first 2 to 3 years; deep water in drought, allowing the surface to dry slightly between soakings.
• Pruning: Prune lightly just after flowering to refine shape; remove dead, crossing, or cankered wood and avoid heavy winter cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak.
• Mulching: Spread 2 to 3 in of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it off the trunk.
• Notes: Best foliage variegation shows in cooler conditions; site with good air flow to reduce leaf spot and mildew and monitor for aphids and borers.

Why Choose First Blush Cherry?

• Two-Layer Display: Early pink flowers followed by pink-flushed, cream-splashed new foliage.
• Space-Saving Form: Upright to narrow oval crown fits tighter sites.
• Four-Season Interest: Spring bloom, summer texture, colorful fall leaves, and handsome winter bark.
• Reliable Performer: Consistent flowering and manageable care in full sun and good drainage.

Plant First Blush Cherry where sun and drainage support its spring show and distinctive, variegated new growth.