Prunus ‘Shosar’

Prunus ‘Shosar’ is a lovely, compact tree we’ve admired for its reliability. It offers a fantastic display in mid-spring, when the branches are covered in single, clear pink blossoms, each with a noticeable dark pink centre. The flowers arrive just before the bright green, toothed leaves emerge. Come autumn, that same foliage puts on a second show, turning to handsome shades of orange and red.

This is a well-behaved tree with a distinctly upright, columnar shape, making it ideal where space is at a premium. It has an average rate of growth and you can expect it to reach about 5 metres in height after 10-20 years. For the best results, plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It’s a hardy soul and will tolerate most conditions except for extremes.

Like other flowering cherries, it needs very little pruning. If you do need to shape it or remove any damaged branches, the best time is immediately after it has flowered in late spring or early summer. Its slender form makes it a wonderful focal point in a lawn or border, bringing height and colour without casting lots of shade.