Prunus ‘Ichiyo’

This is a classic spring-flowering cherry, one we’ve admired for years on our Thurning ground. Its branches are covered in dusky pink buds that open to large, frilly, shell-pink flowers in April. As the flowers mature, they lighten to an elegant creamy-white. The leaves are just as interesting, emerging with a bronze-green tint before turning a fresh, vivid green for the summer.

Prunus ‘Ichiyo’ grows into a small, spreading tree with a vase-shaped habit, eventually reaching about 6 metres in height and spread. It’s a vigorous grower and establishes well. For the best display, plant it in full sun in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It will happily handle most soil types, including clay and chalk.

This tree needs very little looking after once it’s established. Any pruning to remove damaged or crossing branches should be done in summer to reduce the risk of disease. It’s a wonderful choice for a specimen tree in a lawn, where its graceful shape and fantastic spring blossom can be fully appreciated.