Featured
Plant Profile
Spring Plant Pick 2008

Yoshino Cherry

There can be no greater harbinger of spring than the great masses of white flowers that grace the Yoshino Cherry. Originally brought to Washington, D.C. by the Japanese after World War I as an act of goodwill, the trees are the main attraction in our capital’s yearly Cherry Blossom Festival held in late March. The Yoshino will bloom in our zone 6b location in southern New England typically April 17 – April 30. The buds develop a pinkish tint before opening to pure white 1 ¼” blossoms. Planted in masses or as a single specimen, the Yoshino takes on an ethereal awe-inspiring presence. A tree in full bloom resembles a billowy mass of pure white clouds, effortlessly afloat on a spring day’s breeze.

The tree produces tiny black fruits in mid summer and the 2 – 4” long leaves turn a pleasant yellow come fall time. Trees should be planted in well-drained moist soil in full sun. They typically reach heights of 40 – 50 feet with an open graceful habit. What the trees lack for in longevity (most trees typically live 30 – 50 years), they surely make up for in stately grace and form. A true treasure in the landscape.

- James McLoughlin

Also See: Winter 2010 The Himalayan Sweetbox  Winter 2009 The Common Winterberry   Spring 2009 Brunnera Macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’  Summer 2009 - the Geranium ‘Rozanne’  Fall 2009 - the Itea Virginica ‘Little Henry’

NOFA accredited organic
landcare professional.

Rooted in tradition since 1975

Rooted in tradition since 1975