How to Grow Snow Fountain Cherry
Snow Fountain Cherry
Prunus serrulata 'Snofozam'
treeSnow Fountain Cherry is a stunning weeping ornamental cherry tree known for its cascading branches covered in double white blossoms in spring. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree grows 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, creating a graceful fountain-like silhouette. It's prized as a focal point in landscapes and gardens for its elegant form and spectacular spring flowering display.
When should you plant Snow Fountain Cherry in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Snow Fountain Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Snow Fountain Cherry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Snow Fountain Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Snow Fountain Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; best performance in zones 6-7
Sign up free to see if Snow Fountain Cherry grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Snow Fountain Cherry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young tree with thin trunk and developing branch structure; sparse foliage
Water consistently, stake if necessary for support, apply mulch around base, prune minimally to establish form
Growth & Development
Year 2-4Tree develops characteristic weeping form; branches elongate and strengthen; foliage becomes denser
Continue regular watering, light pruning to maintain shape, fertilize annually in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
2-3 weeks in spring (April-May depending on zone)Branches become laden with double white blossoms; creates cascading, cloud-like appearance; blooms open mid to late spring
No pruning during bloom; admire the display; do not over-fertilize as this reduces flower production
Fruiting & Summer
June-AugustSmall dark cherries may form after flowers fade; tree leafs out fully with fine-textured foliage; summer growth continues
Water during dry spells, monitor for pests and diseases, light summer pruning only if needed to maintain shape
Dormancy & Fall
September-MarchFoliage may turn yellow-orange in fall; leaves drop; tree goes dormant for winter
Reduce watering; no fertilizing; rake away fallen leaves; inspect for winter damage; prune only dead or crossing branches in late winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
-
Spray strong water stream to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
-
Apply horticultural oil in dormant season, prune heavily infested branches, monitor closely
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe
-
Prune affected leaves, apply spinosad or insecticidal soap
Uses
Spring Focal Point & Landscape Feature
OrnamentalSnow Fountain Cherry serves as a stunning specimen tree or focal point in gardens and yards. Its weeping form and abundant white blossoms create a dramatic spring display that attracts attention and serves as a natural garden accent. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other spring pollinators. Small fruits attract birds for food, and the dense branching provides shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Displays
CraftCherry blossoms can be carefully cut in early bloom stages for stunning indoor floral arrangements. Branches placed in water can be enjoyed indoors and sometimes re-bloom, bringing spring beauty into the home. [source]
Spring Festival & Celebration Symbolism
CulturalCherry blossoms, especially white varieties, hold significant cultural meaning in Japanese tradition (Sakura) and symbolize spring renewal, beauty, and the transience of life. Many communities celebrate with hanami (flower viewing) festivals. [source]
Traditional Tea & Wellness Uses
MedicinalCherry blossoms are used in traditional Asian tea preparations and herbal remedies. While primarily ornamental, the flowers have been used historically in teas believed to support wellness and digestion. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Snow Fountain Cherry is ornamental; it produces small, dark cherries that are generally not harvested for eating (they're tart and small). Harvest for enjoyment is visual—photograph or admire the spring blossoms at peak bloom. If pruning is desired, do so immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Snow Fountain Cherry is a grafted cultivar, with the weeping form typically grafted onto an upright Yoshino cherry rootstock, which is why the graft union should remain above soil level.
- 🌱 The tree can live 30-50+ years with proper care, making it a long-term investment in landscape beauty.
- 🌱 In Japan, cherry blossom viewing (hanami) is a centuries-old tradition, and thousands of people gather each spring to celebrate the blooms; Snow Fountain is a popular modern choice for this purpose in Western gardens.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Snow Fountain Cherry planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Snow Fountain Cherry seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Snow Fountain Cherry timeline →