Prunus Incisa The Bride

Prunus Incisa The Bride, commonly called Cherry The Bride, is a beautiful small deciduous ornamental cherry tree, highly valued for its spectacular early spring blossom. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit and recognised as Perfect for Pollinators, this variety is a superb choice for adding seasonal colour, structure and biodiversity to gardens of all sizes.

Cherry The Bride is one of the finest forms of Prunus Incisa, originally bred in Japan. Unlike the larger Prunus Serrulata varieties, which are famed for their broad spreading habit, Prunus The Bride remains compact, making it an ideal tree for smaller gardens and urban landscapes. Its name ‘The Bride’ comes from its striking display of pure white blossom, which covers the branches in early spring like a bridal veil. 

The single white flowers are delicately flushed with pink at the centre, creating a beautiful contrast against the fine branching structure. After flowering, the foliage emerges a fresh green, gradually maturing through summer before turning vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn, extending the tree’s seasonal interest well beyond its blossom period.

Compared to other varieties of Prunus Incisa such as Prunus Incisa Kojo-no-mai, which has a zig-zag branching habit and produces pale pink blossom, Prunus The Bride offers larger, pure white flowers with a more graceful rounded crown. This gives The Bride a softer, more romantic appeal, making it especially desirable for ornamental planting.
 

Height and Width of Prunus Incisa The Bride:

This ornamental cherry typically reaches a height of around 2.5 to 3 metres, with a similar spread. Its naturally compact and rounded form makes it suitable for smaller gardens, courtyards and container planting.

How Hardy is Prunus The Bride?

Prunus Incisa The Bride is exceptionally hardy, tolerating UK winters with ease. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, performing reliably year after year. Its hardiness and resilience set it apart from some of the larger ornamental cherries, which can be more sensitive to challenging conditions.

Uses in the Garden or Landscape:

Cherry The Bride is a versatile tree with many uses. It is ideal as a specimen tree in lawns, courtyards or borders where its spring blossom can be fully appreciated. Its compact nature also makes it well suited for smaller gardens, patios or container growing. Being Perfect for Pollinators, it provides an early nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Care Tips

Prunus The Bride is low-maintenance and easy to grow. Plant in a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is required, though light shaping can be carried out in summer if needed. Water well during the first season until established, and apply a mulch in spring to retain soil moisture and encourage strong root growth.