Yoshino

Prunus x yedoensis is a species of Japanese flowering cherry, often known as the Yoshino cherry.  It is the most widely-planted flowering cherry in Japan.

Its wide-spreading habit and elegant simple white flowers on bare branches seem to evoke the essence of spring in Japan.

The blossom appears early in the spring, and has a characteristic almond-like scent. The large single flowers have white petals, sometimes with a slight pink tinge, and prominent centres. Although not as gaudy as the semi-double and double flowered cherries, the effect of such a mass or white flowers on a mature tree is quite striking, and there is no doubt this variety has a certain presence.

History

Prunus x yedoensis is a hybrid flowering cherry species, possibly related to Prunus serrulata or Prunus speciosa and Prunus subhirtella.

It was introduced to Europe and the USA in the early 20th century and is widely grown. In 1912 two thousand cherry trees were presented to the city of Washington as a gift from the Mayor of Tokyo, of which a large proportion were Yoshino cherry trees. As a result cherry blossom is a particular feature of spring in Washington DC - more details can be found in this article on the National Park Service website.

The species has a great natural variability, and there are several popular cultivars, including weeping forms.  Ours is the popular Somei-yoshino or "Tokyo cherry" form.

Yoshino characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• PruningLight prune
• Country of originJapan
• Fruit colourBlack

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