Prunus yedoensis - Yoshino Cherry

Prunus x yedoensis, sometimes nicknamed Tibetan cherry or Yoshino cherry, is a variety of cherry tree with particularly graceful flowers. It has a flexible habit. In March-April, its bare branches slightly bend under a multitude of almond-scented flower clusters that turn from pink to white. In autumn, its foliage becomes a beautiful coppery-yellow colour. Hardy and not very demanding in terms of soil, this tree with moderate growth is ideal for any garden.

Prunus x yedoensis is a hybrid obtained in Japan in 1864, by crossing Prunus speciosa and P. subhirtella. All these small trees belong to the large Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree with moderate and fairly rapid growth, reaching an average of 8 m (26.2 ft) in height and up to 7 m in width (23 ft). It develops one or several trunks covered with smooth, brown-grey bark, and a wide, open crown supported by slightly drooping branches at their ends. Flowering takes place in March-April, more or less early depending on the region. The flowers, gathered in small clusters of 5 to 6, suspended by a short peduncle, are single. They emerge from pale pink buds, then open into 5-petalled corollas, 3 cm to 3.5 cm (1.2 in to 1.4 in) in diameter. The fragrant and nectar-rich flowers are followed by the formation of small round and black fruits at maturity, sought after by birds. The deciduous foliage is composed of alternate, widely ovate leaves, 6 cm to 12 cm (2.4 in to 4.7 in) long, with double-toothed edges. The lamina, of medium green colour, shows a pubescent underside and turns to golden yellow to orange in autumn. 

Its ample and graceful silhouette makes this flowering cherry tree suitable for isolated cultivation. Dazzling from the first beautiful days of spring, requiring very little maintenance, this small tree is suitable for medium-sized gardens or large gardens, where it will be perfect as the centrepiece of a perennial flower bed whose blooms will take over from spring to summer. For example, in a large free hedge or flower bed, it can be planted with other flowering cherries, ornamental apple trees, flowering peach trees, Chinese almond tree, hawthorns, and Japanese apricot (Prunus mume). A carpet of blue hyacinths, liverworts or blue muscaris would be a beautiful addition at its base. Perfectly hardy, it can be grown in many regions, but dislikes compact and clayey soils or arid situations.