Prunus Shirotae 9X9

Shirotae is a wide spreading Mount Fuji Cherry tree with slightly pendulous branches that create an almost flat-topped canopy. The very beautiful, oriental-style frame is flooded with a mass of large, fragrant, snowy white, semi-double flowers in April-May against a foil of light-green young foliage.

The new leaves of this flowering cherry tree  turn to mid green and then develop vivid orange and red autumn colours. A very elegant ornamental tree, Shirotae is expected to grow to 4 x 5 metres in 20 years and will do well in most conditions, including those with urban pollution but it is best to avoid any extremes.

AKA Japanese blossom Tree, Cherry blossom tree, Ornamental Japanese Cherry, Prunus Mount Fuji, Cherry 'Shirotae', Prunus 'Shirotae'

• Common name: Mount Fuji cherry tree
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Height and spread in 20 years: 4 x 5 metres
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Autumn
• Flowers: Sizeable, scented white flowers in spring
• Foliage: Deciduous green leaves, turning vivid orange and red in autumn
• Soil: Tolerant of most well-drained soils avoiding extremes

• Planting Advice for Prunus Shirotae Trees

  Our pot grown Shirotae Fuji Cherry trees can be planted at any time of the year. Choose a location away from strong winds to protect the blossom. Remove weeds and grass within a metre of the site. Dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide. To help the tree establish, sprinkle some fertilliser in the hole.

  Remove the pot, gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Avoid banking the soil up around the collar of the tree.

  We recommend planting Mount Fuji Cherry trees (except multi-stem forms) with a stake & tie to ensure the roots are well anchored . Water generously around the base.

  After Care Advice for Prunus Shirotae Trees

  Water Mount Fuji Cherry trees well and regularly through the first spring and summer, increasing in periods of hot or dry weather. In autumn, you may only need to water a little. Our irrigation kits aid establishment.

  Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons. If your area is prone to rabbits, use a rabbit guard.

  Pruning Prunus Shirotae Trees

  Although it is possible to leave your Mount Fuji Cherry tree to its own devices, if you prune it for the first few years it will create a more balanced branch framework. Prune after flowering i.e. after the petals have dropped but before the new shoot growth appears.

  After two to three years, you will only need to remove any damaged or unwanted branches. The formative pruning previously carried out will have led to a healthier tree less likely to need this though.