How to prune sargent cherry bonsai

Immediately after flowering in mid-spring; light shoot trimming in early summer only. After blossom drops, shorten extending branches to an outward-facing bud to maintain the open, spreading form typical of Sargent Cherry. Seal all cuts with bonsai cut paste immediately. Remove any dead or crossing branches at the same session to minimise the number of separate wounding events.

Once annually after flowering; avoid pruning from late summer through winter. Sargent Cherry Bonsai (Prunus sargentii) is prized for its spectacular spring blossom and vivid autumn colour. Like all Prunus bonsai, it is prone to dieback and fungal infection through wounds. Prune immediately after flowering, seal every cut promptly, and avoid cold-season pruning. Growth is moderately vigorous; annual post-flowering pruning is usually sufficient to maintain shape.

After blossom drops, shorten extending branches to an outward-facing bud to maintain the open, spreading form typical of Sargent Cherry. Seal all cuts with bonsai cut paste immediately. Remove any dead or crossing branches at the same session to minimise the number of separate wounding events.