Prunus × yedoensis

Yoshino cherry

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Outstanding Qualities

Walking beneath a grove of flowering cherries in full bloom feels like walking beneath clouds, and this beautiful hybrid is among the best of the flowering cherries. It has masses of large, single, white flowers held on wide-spreading branches in April. It develops fall color of golden yellow with orange highlights. P. x yedoensis is originally from Japan and has been widely plant in here and notably in Washington, D.C, as a gift from the Japanese government in 1912.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: tree

Foliage Type: deciduous

Plant Height (10-year): 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8

Flower Color: white

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun

Water Requirements: drought tolerant when established, but appreciates occasional watering

Wildlife Associations: birds

Culture Notes

This flowering cherry grows best in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand and clay if drainage is adequate. Once it is established it is drought tolerant, but it does appreciate occasional watering during dry weather. It is noted for its disease resistance and tolerance of our wet cool spring weather. It has a naturally graceful layered branching habit and needs almost no pruning to achieve this shape. Pruning should be limited to the removal of dead, broken or poorly formed branches. Consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting further pruning.