First Blush® Flowering Cherry

First Blush® is a J. Frank Schmidt introduction: an ornamental cherry selected for its strongly upright, narrow form and early display of bright pink double flowers. The JFS profile lists a mature height of about 25 feet and spread of 12 feet, and notes that dark green summer leaves turn orange to orange-red in autumn. [JFS First Blush profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/first-blush-cherry/). ## Flowers and foliage Double pink blossoms cover the branches in early spring. The narrow crown is useful where vertical space is available but lateral room is limited. This is an ornamental flowering tree rather than a fruiting cherry, and its bright fall color adds a second season of interest. ## Siting Give the narrow crown enough overhead clearance, since the JFS profile lists the tree at 25 feet tall. The same profile lists USDA Zone 5; bloom timing varies with local spring temperatures. ## Maintenance Inspect the tree annually and remove damaged or crossing branches with clean tools. Keep the natural upright structure, and avoid topping the crown.