Prunus serrulata 'Mount Fuji' - Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry Tree

A superb landscape ornamental smothered in semi-double white flowers in early spring before the leaves, stunning bronze bark, good fall color and spreading habit; one of the most renowned heritage varieties, needs full sun and well-drained soil

Height: 15 feet. Spread: 20 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 5b.

Ornamental features

Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry is draped in stunning clusters of fragrant semi-double white flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds before the leaves. It has green deciduous foliage which emerges coppery-bronze in spring. The serrated pointy leaves turn coppery-bronze in fall. The smooth dark red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape

Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Accent, Shade.

Planting and growing

Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.