Prunus Serrulata Shirofugen Japanese Cherry

Prunus serrulata Shirofugen, also called Japanese Flowering Cherry Shirofugen is a small deciduous ornamental cherry tree. It is a pretty tree of ancient garden origins in Canton China. The Shirofugen variety is a late flowering cherry blooming in May with exceptionally pretty long lasting pale pink blossom. The lovely landscape tree was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

In the early spring months, the Prunus serrulata Shirofugen produces an abundance of striking flowers. They are large, double petaled blooms that measure up to 5 centimeters across with up to 30 individual petals. The blossoms appear in large pendulous clusters of up to 7. When the flowers first open the petals are white with pinkish undersides but as they mature they turn to a brilliant pink hue. During the autumn, the leaves start to turn a fiery reddish orange and fade to a lighter bronze before falling from the tree.

Height and Spread of Prunus serrulata Shirofugen
This small tree attains a height of 10 metres with a canopy width of 10 metres. It grows in a vase-like shape. It can be easily pruned to maintain its size. This is best done in midsummer.

How Hardy is Prunus serrulata Shirofugen
The Japanese Flowering Cherry Shirofugen is hardy to UK zone 3, meaning throughout the milder Southern UK and in less exposed coastal areas.

How to Care for the Prunus serrulata Shirofugen
Plant the Japanese Flowering Cherry in full sun for the best blossom production and colour. It grows best when planted in well-drained sandy loam. The tree is not picky about soil pH level. When first planting, keep the soil moist to encourage a strong root system.

The beautiful Prunus serrulata Shirofugen is a lovely ornamental focal point in any landscape.