Yoshino Cherry

The Yoshino Cherry is one of the most famous and beautiful of all flowering cherries, widely celebrated in Japan and increasingly popular in the UK. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a graceful, spreading habit. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, it produces a breathtaking abundance of single, almond-scented, white to very pale pink flowers. The blossoms are particularly elegant, held in clusters of five or six. The foliage is dark green and turns yellow and bronze in the autumn. While it lacks the intense fall colours of some other cherries, its spring display is arguably unsurpassed. It is hardy to H6 and grows best in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. It is a relatively fast-growing tree when young and makes a magnificent specimen for a lawn or large border. It requires minimal pruning, mostly just to remove any dead or crossing branches in midsummer to avoid silver leaf disease. It brings a sense of refined elegance to any landscape.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.