The Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Snow Fountain') is a stunning ornamental tree known for its graceful, cascading branches and profuse display of white, delicate blossoms in spring. It’s a weeping cherry variety that provides year-round beauty, with its spectacular spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, and golden-yellow fall leaves. Its weeping habit makes it a favorite in landscapes where its elegant shape and seasonal appeal add visual interest.

Key Features of Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry:

• Flowers: In early to mid-spring, Snow Fountain produces an abundance of small, white, single-petaled flowers that cover the branches from top to bottom. The blossoms appear before the leaves emerge, creating a breathtaking cascade of white flowers.
• Weeping Habit: The tree has a distinctive, cascading growth habit with branches that arch gracefully downward, often reaching the ground if left unpruned. Its weeping form makes it an eye-catching focal point in any landscape.
• Foliage: After the flowers fade, the tree develops dark green leaves that create a dense, flowing canopy. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, or gold, adding fall interest to the landscape.
• Size: Snow Fountain typically grows to about 10-12 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for small gardens, patios, or urban landscapes.

Benefits:

• Spectacular Spring Display: The Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry’s springtime flower show is one of its most attractive features, creating a dramatic, snow-like effect when in full bloom.
• Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it ideal for small spaces, such as courtyards, patios, or as an accent in a mixed garden bed.
• Seasonal Interest: Snow Fountain provides year-round beauty, from its flowers in spring to its lush foliage in summer, vibrant fall color, and striking branch structure in winter.
• Low Maintenance: It is a relatively low-maintenance tree once established, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.

Care and Maintenance:

• Light Requirements: Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry thrives in full sun, which ensures the best flower production and overall growth. It can tolerate light shade, but it will bloom more profusely in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as the drainage is good, as cherry trees do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first few years after planting to help establish a deep root system. After it’s established, it’s more drought-tolerant but still benefits from occasional deep watering, especially during dry periods.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and shape the tree to enhance its weeping habit. Light pruning can also be done after flowering if necessary to maintain its form.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant flowering. An additional light feeding in early summer can help promote continued vigor.

Uses:

• Specimen Planting: Snow Fountain’s weeping form and dramatic flowers make it a perfect specimen tree for front yards, patios, or courtyards, where it can serve as a focal point.
• Garden Accents: Use it as an accent in mixed borders or rock gardens, where its graceful form can contrast with other plants.
• Small Gardens: Its compact size makes it ideal for small landscapes or urban gardens where space is limited.
• Water Feature Companion: Its flowing, weeping branches make it a great complement to ponds, fountains, or other water features, enhancing the serene feel of such settings.

Hardiness:

• USDA Zones: Snow Fountain is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It can tolerate cold winters, but in areas with harsh winters, planting in a protected location can help prevent damage from extreme cold.

Environmental Benefits:

• Pollinator Friendly: The white blossoms attract pollinators, such as bees, in early spring, providing an important food source for pollinators emerging from winter.
• Erosion Control: Its weeping branches and dense root system can help control erosion on slopes or embankments when planted strategically.

Landscape Appeal:

• Graceful Weeping Form: The cascading branches of Snow Fountain create a dramatic, flowing silhouette that adds elegance and movement to the garden.
• Seasonal Color: From its white spring flowers to its golden fall foliage, Snow Fountain adds year-round interest and color to the landscape.
• Winter Structure: In winter, the bare branches form an architectural element, providing interest even when the tree is dormant.

Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry is an ideal choice for gardeners who want a striking ornamental tree that offers a beautiful, cascading shape and seasonal color. Its graceful weeping habit and delicate white flowers make it a standout in any garden, providing a focal point with year-round interest.