Amanogawa

Amanogawa is probably the most popular of the columnar or 'fastigiate' ornamental cherry trees.

It is quite widely grown - if you see a tall narrow flowering cherry in a garden or planted along a street, it is almost certainly Amanogawa.

The pale pink single or semi-double blossom arrives late in the spring, and is unusually fragrant for a flowering cherry. At the height of the blossom season the tree can appear to be entirely encased in blossom, with the branches hardly visible.

In autumn the leaves turn orange-red, and a mature Amanogawa tree on a sunny day in late October is a very attractive sight.

Over time it will become quite a tall tree, but taking up very little space, making it ideal if you want to add some height to your garden planting.

Growing and Training

Amanogawa is one of the most columnar of all garden ornamental trees, almost equalling the fastigiate crab-apples - and unlike them it still has regular side branches.

Because of their columnar form, Amanogawa trees can be planted quite close together if you wish - 3m or even a bit less between the trees, to give an interesting clustered effect.

History

Amanogawa is the Japanese word for the Milky Way, an apt description. It is a Japanese variety, brought to the West in the late 19th century.

Amanogawa characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• PruningNo need to prune
• Country of originJapan
• Period of origin1800 - 1849

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