Mount Fuji Cherry is a deciduous flowering cherry that transforms gardens into clouds of fragrant blossoms each April. This flat-topped variety, scientifically known as Prunus 'Shirotae', grows 15 to 20 feet tall and spreads even wider, creating a dramatic canopy that anchors any landscape. Hardy in zones 5 through 7, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and demands only moderate water and minimal maintenance once established, making it a low-fuss choice for gardeners seeking maximum spring impact.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-7
240in H x 300in W
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Moderate
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The flat-topped form of Mount Fuji Cherry sets it apart from columnar or weeping flowering cherries, giving it a distinctive architectural presence in the landscape. Its showy, fragrant April blossoms transform the tree into a living sculpture, and it performs beautifully as both a standalone specimen and a street tree in suitable climates. The broad spreading habit, reaching up to 25 feet wide, makes it a commanding focal point that anchors a spring garden without demanding constant attention.
Mount Fuji Cherry serves as an ornamental flowering tree and street tree, valued entirely for its aesthetic contribution. It creates dramatic seasonal interest in spring when its fragrant blossoms unfold, and functions as a living architecture element that frames views, provides focal points, and defines garden spaces without competing with other plantings for attention. Its spreading form makes it suitable for larger landscapes where its canopy can develop fully without crowding.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant nursery-grown Mount Fuji Cherry trees in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the tree is dormant or just beginning to break dormancy. Plant in a location receiving full sun for optimal flowering. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide, backfill with amended soil, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Prune Mount Fuji Cherry immediately after flowering concludes in spring if structural adjustments or shape refinement is needed. The tree naturally develops its characteristic flat-topped form and generally requires little to no pruning beyond removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can diminish next year's flower production.
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“Mount Fuji Cherry takes its common name from Japan's iconic volcano, reflecting the tree's origin in Japanese horticulture. The cultivar name 'Shirotae' refers to this particular strain, which belongs to the larger Prunus genus, a group of roughly 200 species distributed across the north temperate zones, the Andes Mountains of South America, and the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. Flowering cherries have been refined and celebrated in Japanese gardens for centuries, with 'Shirotae' representing the pinnacle of that tradition: a tree selected and propagated specifically for its dramatic form and abundant spring blooms.”