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Shirotae flowering cherry

Prunus serrulata
Prunus Shirotae features large single or semi-double fragrant white flowers, and is perhaps the most beautiful of the white-flowered Japanese cherries.

USDA identification images for Shirotae

The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.

    Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.

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    Tree register

    France

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2022 season

    • 23rd March  2022  - tree owned by Richard in Objat, France

    Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.


    Origins

    • Species: Prunus species - Flowering cherry

    Identification

    • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
    • Country of origin: Japan
    • Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
    • Flower colour: White
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Flowering month: April
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous
    • Flowering duration: Average (2-3 weeks)
    • Flower form: Semi-double flower (10-20 petals)
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Orange / Gold
    • Leaf colour - young: Green
    • Flower size: Large
    • Leaf/Flower sequence: Leaves appear first

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Vigour: Slightly large
    • Growth habit: Spreading / Flat-topped
    • Attractive features: Attractive flowers
    • Height after 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Growth rate: Average
    • Attractive features: Attractive bark
    • Attractive features: Scented flowers
    • Soil type: Chalky
    • Soil type: Clay
    • Useful for: Open spaces
    • Flowering season: Mid-season
    • Useful for: Specimen planting

    Climate

    • Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
    • Cold hardiness (RHS): H6 (to -20C)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Good

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Shirotae flowering cherry trees for sale:


    Where to buy fresh fruit

    No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.