Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry is a deciduous showstopper that transforms any landscape into a spring spectacle. Early pink buds unfurl into fragrant, semi-double white flowers that gracefully fade to purplish-pink as they age, clustering along horizontal branches that give the tree its signature flat-topped silhouette. Hardy in zones 5 through 8 (though some sources extend this to zone 9), this Prunus serrulata cultivar reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and spreads 15 to 25 feet wide, creating a tree with the appearance of a living umbrella. The variety earned its name from the Japanese 'Shirotae,' meaning 'white cloth,' and arrived in North America in the early 20th century under the Mt. Fuji designation. Beyond its ornamental splendor, this cherry produces edible fruit, adding unexpected utility to its undeniable beauty.
300
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
240in H x 300in W
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Moderate
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The horizontal branching habit sets Mt. Fuji apart from other ornamental cherries, creating a distinctive flat-topped form that resembles an open umbrella when mature. Early, fragrant flowers emerge in semi-double clusters with the remarkable ability to shift color from white to purplish-pink as they age, extending visual interest throughout the bloom period. The strongly lateral growth gives this tree an architectural presence that works as both a specimen and a shade provider, while the edible fruit adds a layer of functionality beneath all that ornamental drama.
Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry serves primarily as an ornamental specimen tree, valued for the early spring display of fragrant, semi-double flowers and the distinctive horizontal branching structure that provides sculptural interest year-round. The tree excels as a focal point in landscape design, where its flat-topped form and seasonal color transformation from white to purplish-pink create a dynamic backdrop. While edible, the fruit is secondary to the tree's ornamental purpose; it appears after the stunning floral display and offers a subtle bonus rather than a primary harvest crop.
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Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry requires minimal pruning once established, as its naturally horizontal branching habit creates the desired flat-topped form without heavy intervention. Remove any upright branches that emerge during the tree's youth to reinforce the lateral growth pattern. Prune immediately after flowering to remove crossing or diseased wood, and avoid heavy pruning during dormancy, as this can reduce next season's flower buds.
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“Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry carries a story of international horticultural exchange and nomenclature. In Japan, where it originated, the cultivar was known as 'Shirotae,' a poetic reference to white cloth that describes the delicate appearance of its blooms. The tree was released in the United States during the early 20th century under the Western name Mt. Fuji, a designation that has endured for over a century and remains the common name by which North American gardeners know it. This transition from Japanese naming to Western marketing reflects the era when Asian ornamental trees were becoming prized additions to American estates and gardens.”