Yoshino Cherry Root Sprouts: Will They Bloom True?

Root Sprouts on Yoshino Cherry: Clone or Rootstock?

A homeowner found sprouts emerging from exposed roots of their Yoshino cherry (Prunus × yedoensis), removed all but one, and hopes it will replace the parent with identical flowers.

Critical Correction

Yoshino cherry is a hybrid species, not a grafted cultivar. It grows on its own roots. Therefore, root sprouts are genetic clones of the parent and will flower identically—pink-white, single blossoms in early spring.

Why the Confusion?

Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan') is commonly grafted onto Prunus avium rootstock. Its root sprouts revert to the rootstock (white, single flowers). The expert initially conflated the two.

Recommendation

Keep the sprout. It will become a true Yoshino cherry. Transplant it to a suitable spot if it’s too close to the parent. Water and mulch well during establishment.

Bonus

Yoshino can also be propagated from softwood cuttings in early summer—another way to clone your tree.