Gardening expert, Bex Edwards says the ‘most outstanding plant’ will transform your garden for ‘years to come and the winter months are the perfect time to plant it’s roots
She said the plant can ‘transform your garden’ (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
If you’re keen to inject some life into your garden with a burst of colour, a green-fingered expert claims she’s found the “most outstanding plant” that will revamp your outdoor area for “years to come”. Gardening expert, Bex Edwards took to TikTok to share why you should introduce a Weeping Cherry Blossom tree – also known as Cherry Kiku Shidare Zakura – to your garden this winter.
“Just look at these gorgeous weeping branches covered in that beautiful pink blossom,” she began in a video, using a series of illustrative snaps of the tree. Brandishing a root, Bex continued: “They come to you as a bare root plant – there’s no pot or compost – it’s in a dormant state.”
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Indeed, despite its unassuming look, she assured viewers that her root is “absolutely alive”, scratching its surface to expose the green growth beneath the bark. “It means the plant is alive, it’s just fast asleep and all you need to do is wake it up,” Bex clarified.
To rouse it, however, she suggested soaking the roots in a bucket of water overnight to give them a “good drink” and ready them for planting.
“They want a sunny spot in the garden where they can go in the ground – or you can put them in a pot or container,” Bex advised. “Ultimately, it could reach between two and four metres in height – but you don’t have to let it get that big – I’m going to be growing mine in a container to keep it slightly smaller.”
As for the best time to plant, Bex highlighted that the Weeping Cherry Blossom is winter-hardy, making now an ideal time to get it in the ground. “Now is bare root planting season,” she clarified.
“It lasts between the end of October and end of March/early April – that’s the only time you can plant bare roots.”
By planting now, come spring, the tree will be adorned with pink blossoms. “As it grows and matures, you are going to get those beautiful weeping branches,” Bex gushed. “It’s going to be magnificent.”
In the caption of her video, Bex shared further information about the tree: “Also known as Cheal’s Weeping, this deciduous stunner springs into life in early spring with burnished-bronze leaves, swiftly followed by clusters of pretty pink, double flowers that completely smother each elegant, arching branch.
“It has a very pronounced weeping habit, so perfect for smaller gardens. Then, as you sit out in your garden in mid-summer, you’ll see the leaves turn glossy and green, then fade to fiery orange-red in a jaw-dropping autumn display. Simply spectacular.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user asked Bex: “If you put in a large pot how high would you suggest you let it grow then do you just chop off the main stem at the top?”
To which she clarified: “For chop the main stem, just light pruning on the branches- they don’t like a hard prune.”
A second individual queried: “Why do bare root plants need to be planted in this season? I had never heard of that but find it fascinating!” Bex advised: “It’s because they’re dormant at this time of year, they can’t be lifted in the summer as it would kill them.”
Whilst a third person pondered: “When would you expect it to bloom, will it take a couple of years? It’s gorgeous.” To which Bex informed: “I would expect some first year, but it’ll obviously look better as it grows bigger.”
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