Ornamental cherries can be spectacular when in full bloom. Plant them individually as specimen trees in the open so that their spring bloom shows to best advantage. Also great when used near the deck or patio for shade, Ornamental cherries also work nicely along walks or near a water feature. They don’t make particularly good street trees due to drought-sensitivity. These trees look handsome in rows along property boundaries. On particularly spacious properties they can be grouped, in threes, as a focal point.
Because of their dwarf size, Purple-leaved Sand Cherry trees are ideal for mass plantings. Planted in groups or rows they make a lovely shrub border along property lines, gardens or patio areas. For a low hedge, plant them in a single line about 2 feet apart. Judiciously pruned they can be trained to be a standard tree.
Cutting/Interior Design: Cut cherry blossoms for indoor display early in the day. Choose stems where the blossoms are not fully opened, and cut them cleanly where they meet larger branches with sharp pruners. Plunge the branches into warm water immediately and allow them to sit for a hour or two and take up water before arranging them in a vase. These blossoms last only 2 or 3 days before their petals begin to drop. For more information see the files on Keeping Cut Flowers and Cut Flower Supplies