Somei-Yoshino

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Prunus x yedoensis is a species of Japanese flowering cherry, usually known as the Yoshino cherry or Somei-Yoshino after the village near Tokyo where it was first cultivated in the early 20th century.  It is the most widely-planted flowering cherry 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.

The wide-spreading habit and elegant simple white flowers on bare branches of the Yoshino capture the very essence of spring in Japan.

 

Somei-Yoshino flowering cherry trees for sale

• 11-year bare-root tree £46.50
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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• 22-year pot-grown tree £72.00
  In a 12L pot
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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Order now for delivery from week commencing 4th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

History

Prunus x yedoensis is a hybrid flowering cherry species, related to Prunus speciosa (the Oshima cherry) and a form of Prunus pendula (the Edo higan cherry).

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.

Somei-Yoshino characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAutumn foliage colourScented flowers
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
• PruningLight prune
• Growth rateAverage
• WildlifeAttractive to birds
• Flower colourWhite
• Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
• Flowering monthMarch
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnGreen
• Fruit colourBlack
• Fruit sizeVery small
• Country of originJapan
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• 
  Prunus incisa x speciosa
  Snow Goose
  
• 
  Prunus x yedoensis pendula
  Weeping Yoshino
  A popular small weeping form of the Yoshino cherry.

How to choose a flowering cherry tree

We list more than 70 different flowering cherry trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different characteristics of flowering cherries might help narrow down the selection.