Hill Cherry

Prunus serrulata Tai Haku

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained fertile soil
• Rate of growth: vigorous
• Flowering period: April
• Flower colour: white
• Other features: it has the largest flowers of any cherry tree
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  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 it a lovely tree for all gardens.
  
  
• Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Prune in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Cut back any dead, diseased or branches which cross to healthy wood.