About
Prunus _ yedoensis 'Somei-Yoshino', the Yoshino cherry, is a small, deciduous Japanese flowering cherry with broad-spreading branches. Ovate leaves emerge in coppery-bronze in spring to contrast with the blossom and turn red-orange in autumn. Large, single, almond-scented, blush-white or pink flowers appear before the foliage in spring. Said to be the most widely planted flowering cherry tree in Japan � a celebrated and beautiful tree for a sunny garden.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes heavy, wet soils. Tolerant of pollution. May require staking. See tree cultivation and staking trees for further advice
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, cherry blackfly and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, cherry leaf scorch, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus