Overview
A small, spreading Japanese cherry that flowers early.
Description
Prunus 'Shirotae' is also known as the Mount Fuji cherry and is one of the first of the Japanese flowers to bloom. Usually in mid April, just before the fresh green young foliage appears, the tree displays some of the most attractive, intense white flowers, dazzling in fact. The flowers are semi-double with a wonderful scent similar to honey and have almost ruffled edges. The flowers also contrast beautifully with the unusually dark bark. The bright green leaves are distinctly fringed and turn into glowing shades of yellows and oranges in autumn.
Planting Position
Prunus ‘Shirotae’ prefer a sunny spot in fertile, free draining soil and they do not like to be in wet ground or shallow chalk. Because of the spreading, mature form of this tree, it is advisable to think where to plant so it has room to spread.
Attributes
Introduced from Japan in 1905 'Shirotae' received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This early bloomer with stunning, white flowers and makes a wonderful specimen tree.
