Shogetsu - Blushing Bride

Prunus Shogetsu, also known as Blushing Bride or Oku-miyako, is a popular Japanese flowering cherry.

The main attraction is the cascading clusters of blossom hanging on long stalks. The large double flowers are tinged with pink, but open to a pure white.

Shogetsu flowers quite late, starting in May in most areas. The leaves appear at the same time as the flowers, and are initially a light bronze-green colour.

In autumn the leaves take on orange tints, although this is somewhat weather dependent - it is more likely when autumn is sunny but with cold nights.

The tree develops an impressive presence as it grows, taking on an increasingly spreading habit - a mature tree is likely to be considerably wider than it is high, eventually taking on a parasol-like appearance. It is one of the best flowering cherries for winter form.

Growing and Training

Shogetsu does best in a sheltered location in well-drained soil. Avoid windy sites if possible.

History

As with many flowering cherries of Japanese origins, Shogetsu's history is littered with mis-identifications and multiple names (including Blushing Bride and Oku Miyako). Even the famous English enthusiast of the 1920s, Collingwood Ingram, came unstuck with this variety. However the confusion was eventually resolved and Shogetsu has become one of the most widely-admired of the white-blossom Japanese flowering cherries.

Shogetsu - Blushing Bride characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• PruningLight prune
• Country of originJapan
• Period of origin1850 - 1899

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