Pale pink buds cover the branches in mid-spring, opening to large, often 6cm (2½in) wide, white flowers which hang in small clusters among the young bronze foliage. The leaves turn rich green as they mature through the summer, before turning shades of yellow and orange in autumn. The coppery-red, glossy, peeling bark is a bonus. This vigorous, spreading tree provides a dazzling display in spring, which makes ‘Tai-Haku’ a lovely flowering cherry tree for all gardens.
How to care for Prunus Tai-haku:
Bare root plants should be planted out as soon as they arrive. If this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily (covering their roots with soil) or potted up. Before planting, soak the rootball in a bucket of water for half an hour and make sure to incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole. Stake firmly in exposed positions and keep the base of the tree weed free. Fertilise at the beginning of each year and water regularly during hot, dry spells.
Choose a sheltered spot to protect emerging blossom. Prune in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
5m
Eventual spread:
5m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.