Prunus 'SHIROFUGEN' flowering cherry

Looking into the crown of this Japanese flowing cherry it is clear why people in Japan take a bow in front of them and organize sakura festivals. It is not only because of their beauty, they also believe that their trunks hold spirits of the dead, and finally they manifest the new life emerging in early spring.

Shirofugen is a Japanese cherry variety of unique beauty. It bears double flowers that open from clear pink buds and hold that pink shade at the margins until they open entirely while centres are pure white. This creates an amazing pink-glowing, neon-lit-like effect. Later they turn almost white. Profusion of delicate but rich flowers makes the tree look like a fluffy cloud floating on azure blue sky. Shirofugen flowers from end April until mid May.

Deciduous leaves are 10-12 cm long, rich green, serrated, turning beautiful scarlet red and golden orange in autumn. The crown is rather shallow and spreading.

When planting it, make sure the root-ball is well soaked with water. Use humus-enriched soil which will remain moist, not wet. Cherries are said to do better in acidic soil but are quite adaptable. Pruning, if needed, should be done immediately after flowering to prevent silver leaf and bacteria canker, and to encourage new growths that will bear flowers. Fully hardy to min. -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 28-04-2010