Springtime in Japan means a festival of blossoms everywhere. And out of all the ornamental trees, cherry blossoms stand out the most as it’s a national obsession of my country Japan.
However, many people don’t even know that some of those enchanting flowering trees are not cherry blossoms. Such an example is the apple blossom that has an almost similar look.
And, of course, we human beings are always curious to know the differences between similar-looking things.
Don’t we?
Yeah! Absolutely.
So, to feed your curious mind, I am presenting a descriptive apple blossom vs cherry blossom comparison that will help you be a pro in recognizing them individually as well as learn their distinct characteristics.
Differences Between Apple Blossom And Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms are known for their delicate, fragile petals and soft, feminine coloration. They typically range from light pink to deep pink depending on the variety, and many have white floral notes that are incredibly pleasing to the eye.
Apple blossoms, in comparison to cherry blossoms, are more vibrant and take on a much showier color palette. Apple blossoms can range from a light pinkish-white to a deep, rich, reddish-pink.
Unlike cherry blossoms, the petals of the apple blossoms tend to be more clustered and heavily-fragrant.
Both are lovely additions to any garden, making them a popular choice in home landscaping.
Because of the resemblance of the blossom's appearance, the apple blossom looks kinda similar to the cherry blossom.
Even if you don’t have any idea about them, you may assume that cherries produce cherries and apples produce apples by hearing their name.
But, this much knowledge can’t help you to know their variance when you will look at their flowers in the spring.
One of the key differences is that cherry flowers are smaller and delicate, while apple blossoms are larger and more robust. And to spot the closer distinction, you have to pick their flowers and look closely at the female parts of their center.
Cherry flowers have one female part, the pistil, with one thick stem-like style. On the contrary, apple blossoms have multiple styles.
In case you want to get a more detailed idea, cut the flower in half and find out the base of the pistil (the ovaries).
If they are found below the base of the flower (inferior), they are apple flowers. And if they are right at the base of the blossom (superior), you are holding cherry flowers.
Well, so far, you got a short explanation of how to tell them apart. Now, I will present a comparison table to show you some differences in a blink.
Apple Blossom Vs Cherry Blossom Comparison Table
The below table contains their variance based on different terms.
| Terms of Comparison | Cherry Blossom Tree | Apple Blossom Tree |
|---|---|---|
|
Blooming Season
|
From late March to April
|
From April to June
|
|
Colors of flowers
|
Commonly white, light/dark pink, or yellowish
|
Usually white, pink, magenta, or red
|
|
Fragrance
|
Light or faint smell
|
Very fragrant
|
|
Growth Rate
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
|
Exposure to sun
|
Around 6 hours per day
|
At least 6 hours per day
|
|
Usual lifespan
|
30 years or above
|
30 years or above
|
|
Water Requirement
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
The information above is just a sneak peek. And to know them in-depth, you have to go through my upcoming descriptive discussion.
Cherry Blossom Vs Apple Blossom: From Characteristics Difference to Cultivation Facts
From here, I will tell you about both of these flowering trees’ blooming times, what they symbolize, how they smell, diseases, and many more.
So, stay with me to discover the unknown.
Cherry Blossoms Bloom Before Apple Blossoms
Most of the varieties of cherry blossom trees bloom in spring and usually last a few weeks. The time between the appearance of the first blossom and the shedding of the petals is likely to be 2 or 3 weeks.
Among all the types of cherry flowers, Yoshino has the most similar look to apple blossom. Usually, Yoshino blooms during April.
Japanese cherry blossom or sakura blooms from mid-March to late April/ early May.
On the other hand, depending on the climate and specific variety, apple blossom season is spread out for several weeks, even months, from April to June.
- Related: Kwazan Vs Yoshino Cherry Trees
Features of Apple Blossoms Vs Cherry Blossoms
The apple blossom is a classic angiosperm flower, with petals encircling many pollen-producing structures called stamens, which are topped with sticky pollen-collecting stigma.
The female ovary just at the bottom of the flower extends and becomes the fruit while fertilized by pollen.
Most of the apple blossoms' petals are pink when they first bloom, and as the season progresses, they fade to white.
Apples form buds at the end of 4-inch or longer shoots or on spurs, which are shorter branches. Although each bud cluster produces the same number of flower buds and leaves, not all flower buds are pollinated and produce fruit.
Moreover, each flower has five petals.
For cherry blossoms, most varieties produce white to light pink flowers. But, you will also find cherry trees with yellow, dark pink, and green blossoms.
Their flowers may bloom as white and then change color to pink over a few days.
Depending on the type, cherry blossoms can have five petals, such as in Yoshino, or lots of petals in rows like in Kwanzan.
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Most Cherry Blossom Trees Are Self Pollinator While Apply Blossoms Need To Be Pollinated
Apple blossoms need to be pollinated in order to provide fruit. The transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part (stigma) is required for fertilization.
Pollinating insects like bees can do this job. And that’s why planting pollinator-attracting flowers should be around the apple blossom trees.
But, some varieties of apples can fertilize themselves while others need pollen from another tree which is known as cross-pollination.
And when an apple tree is cross-pollinated, it will give you a higher rate of fruit set. Therefore, a group of these trees around each other is better than a lonely specimen, even if it’s self-fertile.
In contrast, cherry blossom trees don’t require more than one tree to produce fruit. All sour cherries are self-fruitful, which means they can pollinate themselves.
But, sweet cherries need cross-pollination or pollination via another cherry variety to bear fruit.
Apple Blossoms Are Symbolic Of Long Life While Cherry Blossoms Are Symbolic Of Renewal
In Japan, the cherry blossom is the symbolic flower of spring. These flowers have a deep meaning as they indicate the time of renewal and the transient nature of life.
They also symbolize purity and beauty.
On the other hand, apple blossoms are symbolic of long life. They have other meanings, such as hope, love, good fortune, and peace.
Some Species Of Cherry Blossom Trees Can Love Much Longer Than Apple Blossom Trees
Most cherry blossom trees live only for 30 to 40 years. However, some species can live longer, up to 250 years.
Now let me tell you something surprising!
At Yamanashi’s Hokuto city in Japan, there is a legendary cherry blossom tree called “Jindai-Zakura.” Although the accurate age of this tree is yet to be determined, it’s estimated to be between 1,800 – 2,000 years old!
In short, with proper maintenance and if things stay in favor, ornamental cherry trees can live a long life.
Apple blossom trees can live longer than 30 years.
Apple Blossoms Foods Vs Cherry Blossoms Foods
Apple blossoms have a fine floral flavor, and they are a great accompaniment to fruit dishes. Also, they can be used as a garnish.
You can also enjoy a tea of dried apple blossoms as a stress reliever, digestion aid, or to clear your complexion.
Additionally, these blossoms are one of the many flowers used to make Chinese herbal medicine, Pin Guo Hua.
Another thing is that apple blossoms are poisonous to cats, so be aware of this fact.
However, be informed that the blossoms may contain cyanide precursors. So, you should eat in moderation.
Anyway, cherry blossoms are also edible, but not all the varieties. You can consume the petals of Yoshino cherry trees without any worry.
Here, in Japan, we enjoy different desserts that are made from the petals of cherry flowers. Also, they are widely used in making teas.
Diseases & Pests in Cherry Blossoms Vs Apple Blossoms
Two of the most common diseases of flowering apple trees are fire blight and powdery mildew.
Fire blight is the reason for shoots to die back and create hooked tips, as well as amber droplets exude from blossoms, leaves, and succulent shoots. And powdery mildew delays flowering, and the buds are covered in a white or gray mold.
You can treat these diseases by pruning the affected branches or spraying with a treatment from when the flowers become pink till they drop.
Pests, including apple maggot flies, codling moths, and plum curculio, are mostly found in ornamental apple trees.
Conversely, usual cherry blossom diseases are black knot, brown knot, powdery mildew, necrotic ring spot, silver leaf fungus, and so on.
And borers, scale, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars are some of the pests that cause problems to flowering cherry trees.
Cherry Blossoms Are Easier To Maintain Than Apple Blossoms
Cherry blossom trees need moderate care.
They don’t prefer waterlogged soil. During the first season, they require moderate watering, preferably once or twice a week.
You should water the tree only during prolonged dry summer periods. When you see that the top two inches of the soil are dry, that’s the time the tree needs water.
And in the spring, fertilize the tree with a general granular fertilizer.
The cultural needs of apple blossoms aren’t much different than cherry blossoms. To achieve the healthiest bloom and fruit set, maintain regular irrigation that keeps the soil moist but not swampy.
General application of a 10-6-4 fertilizer blend yearly during spring is enough for them.
Best Place to Plant Apple Blossom Vs Cherry Blossoms
Depending on the variety, the hardiness zone for flowering apple trees ranges from 3 to 9.
For example, Crabapple trees prefer zones 4-8. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunray per day to grow. So, this requirement should be considered while planting if you want to get the best out of them.
Although they can adapt to most soil conditions, it’s best to plant them in well-draining soil. And to avoid foliar diseases, plant in a location with good air circulation.
Another consideration is that, depending on the species, these trees can reach a height of 15 to 30 feet or more. So, keep this much space around and above the plant.
Speaking of the cherry blossom tree, they need direct sunlight for about 6 hours and soil that is rich and fertile. And depending on the species, the growing zone varies, mostly from 5 to 8.
The soil beneath the cherry blossom tree should have good drainage and need space of around 15 to 30 in height, with a canopy just as wide. Hence, choose a location that can support the mature size.
Note that the hardiness zone for both of them varies according to the species, so I suggest checking it for your bought variety.
Apple Blossoms Have Strong Fragrance While Cherry Blossoms Have Subtle Fragrance
Apple flowers can be single, semi-double, or double with white, pink, magenta, or red color. They are highly fragrant with hints of wild roses, jasmine, honey, and water lily.
While on the other hand, cherry blossoms have a subtle and delicate smell, including the flowers of Somei Yoshino. When you hold a flower under your nose, you will get a trace of a soft scent.
You may pour hot water over the flowers for a genuine whiff of the cherry blossom scent. The rising steam will give you an elegant and sweet aroma.
History of Cherry Blossom Festival Vs Apple Blossom Festival
As I said earlier cherry blossoms are a national obsession in here, Japan. We love to celebrate and cherish the blossoms’ beauty which only exists for a few weeks.
From family to group of friends, people of all ages gather under the blooming cherry tree to appreciate its beauty. And this flower-watching party is known as hanami.
Hanami is a centuries-old Japanese tradition. The custom is believed to start during the Nara period (710 –794) when ume blossoms were admired initially.
However, by the Heian period (794–1185), sakura (cherry blossoms) had gained popularity, and hanami had become associated with it.
If you travel to Japan in spring, you simply can’t leave without admiring the beauty of sakura and experiencing a hanami party yourself.
Apart from that, the cherry blossom festival is also celebrated annually in Washington, D.C, after Japan gave about 3,000 ornamental cherry trees in 1912.
Unlike cherry blossoms, the apple blossom festival is more recognized in the United States.
One of the most prominent apple blossom festivals is Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival which runs for 14 days annually in spring in Winchester, Virginia. First organized in 1924, it is one of the national feasts in Virginia.
Besides this, there are other celebrations such as Apple Blossom Tyme Festival in Colborne, Apple Blossom Festival in Annapolis, and many more.
Anyway, it’s the end of today’s comparative discussion; hence l will present my final words now.
Conclusion
After going through my apple blossom vs cherry blossom writing, hopefully, you gained a broad knowledge about them.
Both of these blossoms look absolutely stunning while in full bloom. If they hit your interest, you can choose either one or both to plant for yourself to make your yard more attractive.
When nature is feeding us with beauty, all we humans need is to keep it alive with care and love. Whether it's cherry blossom, apple blossom, peach blossom, or other trees, let’s continue to appreciate them for our own benefit.
