I think we've killed our second cherry sapling

We put it in last year and - though it doesn't seem entirely dried out, and I see some green in the branches -- it's showing no sign of leaves, let alone flowers. Any thoughts? Could it be a late bloomer?

Also, if this one turns out to be a goner, I will give up on cherries. What would you put in a nice, sunny spot on the front-lawn (faces east)? Could be a large perennial bush, flowers, or another tree (although I am trending away from the tree idea). 

We planted a cherry several years ago and it seems to be slower to leaf out and blossom than many we see.  It is, however, making some progress so I am confident it is o.k.

Last year and so far this year it has been incredibly dry, so watering it may save it. Your sunny spot should be ideal for a tree. 

I don't know, but I would water it.

If your cherry doesn't pull through, I can recommend flowering quince. I've always wanted a cherry tree, but didn't want to put one in the front with power lines and the lawn. We did plant 3 flowering quince bushes together and the blossoms in the spring are so lovely. They make a thicket, which a rabbit sometimes hangs out in, and the birds love it since they are protected. The blossoms are salmon pink and cherry red.

Here's a picture of one of the salmon-colored flowers:

With your fingernail, scrape away a little of the bark. If the layer underneath is green, your tree needs more time. If it's brown or grey, your tree is gone.

^This.

And if gone, try a flowering plum.  (Though the quince above is beautiful.)

It's dead Jim.

We've decided to replace with a perennial bush or shrub instead of a tree. What will bloom early, grow to a nice size (up to about 4 feet) and not get too leggy? And, most of all, what is super hardy and easy to care for? Thanks!

The quince I mentioned above is hardy. I don't do anything to it except lop off the protruding branches now and then. If you'd like to see it, message me and I'll send you our address so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

I have an ornamental quince bush, which is basically maintenance free.  It was here when we bought the house in 2003, and I have literally done nothing to it.  I don't even water it during droughts or heat waves.  We have crap soil, mostly clay.

On occasion we get a fruit or two.  I am thinking of planting a second one in the hopes of cross pollination so I can get more fruit from it on a regular basis.  Even though it is not a true quince, the fruit is edible but it has to be cooked so it won't be sour.

thanks! Where do you buy your plants? 

Williams Nursery in Westfield is good, though I don't know if they have quince per se.  Also, if you don't care about fruit then some of the hybrid ornamental quince have more showy flowers and the flowers last longer.  Mine only last about two weeks in the spring.

I fell in love with Red Twig Artic Fire shrub. Problem is the plant tag reads Sun/part Shade. The spot I have selected gets sun from about 2:30 to sunset. This shrub has bright red stems all winter into spring, leafs out and has small flowers and berries the birds love. The winter branches look great against the snow.

I am hesitant only because of worry about the exposure.

mtierney said:

I fell in love with Red Twig Artic Fire shrub. Problem is the plant tag reads Sun/part Shade. The spot I have selected gets sun from about 2:30 to sunset. This shrub has bright red stems all winter into spring, leafs out and has small flowers and berries the birds love. The winter branches look great against the snow.

I am hesitant only because of worry about the exposure.

There's one of these on the Clinton School front lawn, in full sun and thriving.  It's lovely.

Check out either Cardinal or Great Swamp for nurseries. Cardinal is off Meizel and GS is on the way to the...Great Swamp.

Very cool..looks like it's a dogwood!

A magnolia? A crabapple?

Plant lavender! It smells great. Our cat used to rub himself all over in it and then come in the house smelling good.