Weeping cherry trees (Prunus spp.) must be included in any list of best cascading specimens. Although they are short-lived (being prone to pest attacks and diseases), they are spectacular bloomers for the spring landscape. You can thank Japan for many of these splendid droopers such as the weeping Higan. All of the members of the Prunus genus prefer to be grown in full sun and in well-drained soil.
The weeping Higan cherry can be grown in USDA Planting Zones 4 to 8. Weeping Higans (Prunus subhirtella Pendula) produce masses of pink or white flowers. This weeping cherry tree attains a height of 20 to 30 feet tall and a spread of 15 to 25 feet. Like the other Prunus trees presented here, this is an ornamental, meaning you would not plant it if your goal were to grow sweet Bing cherries (Prunus avium Bing) for eating.
The Prunus serrulata species (Japanese cherry) has a few drooping cultivars such as Prunus serrulata Kiku-shidare-zakura, better known as 'Cheal's' weeping cherry tree (zones 5 to 8). It has double, pink flowers and grows to 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.
Snow Fountains (Prunus Snow Fountains or Snofozam) is a weeping cherry tree suitable for landscapes in zones 5 to 8. Plant height at maturity is eight to 15 feet with a spread of six to eight feet. A slow-growing ornamental, its branches cascade down to the ground.
Snow Fountains, Cheal's, weeping Higan, and the other weeping trees on this list make excellent focal points in your landscaping.