Overwintering guide
How to overwinter japanese flowering cherry bonsai
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills japanese flowering cherry bonsai in winter
Cutting japanese flowering cherry bonsai hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More japanese flowering cherry bonsai care
Overwintering japanese flowering cherry bonsai — FAQ
Does japanese flowering cherry bonsai need to come indoors for winter?
Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move japanese flowering cherry bonsai for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water japanese flowering cherry bonsai in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills japanese flowering cherry bonsai over winter?
Cutting japanese flowering cherry bonsai hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.