Grafted vs. Seedling Weeping Cherry Trees: Key Differences

Shopping for a weeping cherry this spring? You'll encounter two main types: grafted specimens and seedling-grown trees (often 'Higan' weeping cherry). The distinction matters for your landscape planning.

Grafted Weeping Cherries

These maintain roughly the same height they had at planting time. The weeping form is grafted onto a standard rootstock, creating a predictable, compact silhouette ideal for smaller gardens. Watch for occasional straight shoots emerging below the graft union—these are easily pruned away.

Seedling Weeping Cherries

Trees grown from seed, like the 'Higan' variety, can reach thirty feet tall at maturity. They offer a more dramatic, large-scale presence suited to spacious properties. Both types bring graceful beauty to appropriate settings; the choice depends on your available space and design goals.