The stunning Shirotae Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae') is a double/semi-double white with pink blush ornamental flowering cherry from Japan. It is probably most popularly known as the Mt Fuji Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata 'Mt Fuji') and has also been called 'Kojima'. We have a standard that has been growing beautifully in a pot for over 10 years. It always gives us pleasure in late September, early October when it starts flowering. We enjoy it in the house in vases mixed with lilac, apple blossom, sweet peas and other spring flowers.
The buds have a pink blush and open to beautiful large ruffled white with occasional hints of pink. The creased leaves with toothed edges emerge in spring, form shady dark green foliage in summer and then turn lovely reds, oranges and hints of yellows in autumn. The spreading branches can form a horizontal habit. The relatively small tree is ideal for smaller gardens. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (UK).
• Uses: ornamental tree, shade tree, specimen tree, avenue tree, bonsai, vase arrangements
• Size: 6 metres high depending on conditions
• Flowering: late September to early October
• Features: stunning ruffled white cherry blossom, and lovely reds, oranges and hints of yellows in autumn foliage
Reference Lord, E. E. and Willis, J. H. (1982) Shrubs and trees for Australian gardens (5th End). Lothian Publishing Company, Melbourne.
