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Prunus 'Shirotae'
Mt. Fuji flowering cherry
Japanese garden cultivar — documented since the 15th century; a selection from the Sato-zakura (village cherry) group; derived from {Prunus serrulata} and related speciesLearn more
Overview
Prunus 'Shirotae' is Mt. Fuji flowering cherry (Shirotae cherry), a wide spreading deciduous tree growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 20-30 feet (6-9 m) wide — wider than tall. The horizontal spreading branch structure is the defining form, with the lowest branches sweeping near to the ground. White semi-double to double flowers with 5-15 petals per flower, 2 inches (5 cm) diameter, in pendant clusters of 2-3 along the horizontal branches in April. Lightly fragrant. Bronze emerging foliage. Medium green ovate finely serrated leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm). Turns yellow to orange in fall. Little to no fruit (semi-double to double flowers). In Rosaceae. A Sato-zakura cultivar documented in Japan since the 15th century. Shirotae means 'snow-white' in Japanese. The wide spread (20-30 feet / 6-9 m) requires ample lateral space — the low sweeping branches cannot be easily lifted without destroying the form. This space requirement is the primary limitation. Susceptible to borers, bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae), and root rot in wet soil. Relatively short-lived (20-30 years). Grafted onto rootstock — remove below-graft suckers. Not drought-tolerant. Deer browse. Toxic (cyanogenic glycosides in leaves, bark, seeds). Zones 5-8. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Japanese garden cultivar, documented since the 15th century. A selection from the Sato-zakura (village cherry) group. Derived from Prunus serrulata and related species.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree in open lawns, parks, and gardens with ample lateral space, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m). Wide horizontal spreading form — wider than tall. Low sweeping branches. White fragrant spring bloom. Short-lived (20-30 years). Toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April). White semi-double to double flowers 2 inches (5 cm) with 5-15 petals in pendant clusters of 2-3 along horizontal branches. Lightly fragrant. 2 weeks of bloom. Bee-visited. Little to no fruit.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, semi-double to double with 5-15 petals per flower, 2 inches (5 cm) diameter, in pendant clusters of 2-3 along the horizontal branches; lightly fragrantFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate, finely serrated, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm); emerging bronze in spring; turns yellow to orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Not drought-tolerant. Root rot in poorly drained sites. Susceptible to borers and bacterial canker. Short-lived (20-30 years). Allow ample lateral space for the wide spreading form (20-30 feet / 6-9 m). Remove below-graft suckers. Prune after flowering (June-July). Deer browse. Toxic (cyanogenic glycosides). Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune after flowering (June-July) — pruning in winter increases bacterial canker risk. Maintain the natural horizontal spreading form — do not lift or remove low branches. Remove dead, crossing, or canker-infected branches. Remove suckers below the graft union.Pruning Schedule
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