Shirotae

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Shirotae, also known as the Mount Fuji cherry, is one of the most beautiful of all the white-flowered Japanes cherries. The pure whiteness of the mass of blossom contrasts nicely with the unusually dark bark, and Shirotae grows with a characteristic spreading flat-topped form.

The Japanese word "shirotae" describes the dazzling whiteness of snow, and the blossom of Shirotae does indeed have the same intense whiteness. The edges of the petals are also ruffled or feathered, a distinctive characteristic of this variety.

The flowers on mature trees are generally semi-double (having 10-20 petals), quite large, and often have a scent of almonds.

The leaves emerge green at the same time as the flowers, and turn golden in the autumn.

Shirotae japanese 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 £71.95
  In a 12L pot
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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Order now for delivery from week commencing 6th January.

How to grow

Shirotae grows with a wide spreading habit, and the top of the tree is often flat. It looks particularly attractive when planted as a specimen tree, set apart from other trees, or against a backdrop of taller trees. For the best effect it needs plenty of space.

History

Shirotae is a form of the Japanese mountain cherry Prunus serrulata, and arose in Japan in the early nineteenth century.

Shirotae characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive barkScented flowers
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
• Growth rateAverage
• Flower colourWhite
• Flower formSemi-double flower (10-20 petals)
• Flowering monthApril
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Gold
• Leaf/Flower sequenceLeaves appear first
• Country of originJapan
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• 
  Prunus sargentii
  Prunus sargentii
  Another form of Prunus serrulata.
• 
  Prunus serrulata
  Tai-haku
  A traditional Japanese flowering cherry, known as the "Great White Cherry" and notable for its very large single white flowers.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

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.