Prunus serrulata Shirotae (‘Shirotae’ Japanese Cherry)

“Prunus serrulata ‘Shirotae’ – translating as Japanese cherry ‘Mount Fuji’ – is a small to medium, flowering cherry tree and is primarily grown for it’s wide spreading, slightly arching branches covered in white, fragrant flowers in mid-Spring.

It is a deciduous tree with a weeping habit when young maturing into a flat-topped, spreading form as it ages. The fragrant, semi-double white flowers bloom in early Spring. The slightly serrated leaf is light-green in spring before turning mid-green in summer whilst in autumn, the leaves turn a lovely yellow and orange.

Similar to other ornamental cherries, the tree thrives best in nutrient-rich, moist, free draining ground of any soil type. It will tolerate any position but prefers a sheltered spot – strong winds may strip the tree of its blossom. Grown in full sun for the best flower and growth.

A hardy example of the Japanese cherry, it will grow to a maximum height and width of 5 to 6 metres – with moderate growing it can take up to 20 years to reach its full height.”