Prunus 'TAIHAKU'

Spring in the garden is announced by flowering Japanese cherries. They come in various shapes and sizes, from slender and small to prostrate and tall, there is probably one for every garden. They are various species and varieties from the prunus genus, and offer white or pink flowers.

Taihaku is an old Japanese flowering cherry brought to England in 1900. It is commonly called Great white flowering cherry as it boasts possibly the largest flowers of all white varieties. They are 4-6 cm across, single, and open flat from pale pink buds to clear white. They come out in profusion from second half April for 2-3 weeks. Young leaves are bronze, mature to green in summer, and turn rich scarlet red in autumn. The tree grows moderately, forming a rather spreading canopy offering a pleasant shade in summer. As it blooms before the leaves emerge we suggest placing it in front of evergreen shrubs and trees that will provide a solid green background.

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 is recommended to take place in summer months to prevent silver leaf and bacteria canker. Fully hardy to some -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 11-12-2019