Great White Cherry 'Tai-haku'

A legendary Japanese flowering cherry that was once thought extinct until rediscovered in a Sussex garden. 'Tai-haku' is famous for its immense, single, snowy-white flowers that can be up to 6cm across. These are produced in great profusion in mid-spring, perfectly timed with the emergence of the young foliage which is a distinctive coppery-red colour. This contrast between the pure white blossoms and the bronze leaves is breathtaking. The tree has a vigorous, spreading habit, eventually forming a large, broad-headed specimen that requires plenty of space to be fully appreciated. It is fully hardy (H6) and prefers a site with full sun and well-drained soil. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange. It is a robust and healthy tree, though like most cherries, it dislikes waterlogged conditions. It is an ideal choice for a larger garden where it can act as a stunning spring focal point.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist, well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.