Yoshino Cherry Blossom

Prunus x yedoensis, the Yoshino Cherry, is the iconic cherry tree of the Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and is equally spectacular in UK gardens. It is a medium-sized tree with a graceful, spreading, and slightly arching habit. In late March or early April, before the leaves emerge, the branches are completely smothered in massed clusters of almond-scented, single, blush-white flowers. The effect is a cloud-like appearance that is truly breathtaking. The leaves emerge green and turn shades of yellow and bronze-red in the autumn. Small, black fruits follow the flowers but are mostly hidden by the foliage and are primarily attractive to birds. It is a hardy (HTrue) and reliable performer in the UK, although the blossom can be sensitive to late frosts in northern areas. It thrives in any well-drained, fertile soil and requires a sunny, relatively sheltered position to perform its best. It is a perfect choice for a specimen lawn tree or a classic blossom walk.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.