Prunus 'SNOW FOUNTAINS'^®

Originally named Snofozam after it was put to trade this hybrid weeping cherry received a nicer name Snow Fountains^® which tells everything. In the spring it produces masses of lightly scented pure white flowers along plentiful of weeping branches that may run almost to the ground unless pruned. Leaves appear after flowering and are narrowly obovate or elliptic with serrated margins, mid green and partly glossy, turning multiple colours in the autumn: yellow, orange, and various shades of red.

It grows medium fast and grafted at the top it makes strictly weeping branches that soon touch the ground. But if you want to model an umbrella shape for example you can prune it immediately after flowering. The branches will straighten up a little and the tree will make new cascades spreading more sideways rather than downwards.

It will be a great centre of attention in the middle of a lawn, or placed sensitively in a mixed border where it should not collide with neighbor plants. Owing to long branches we suggest mulching the area under the crown so you do not need to mow the grass there. When planting it, make sure the root-ball is well soaked with water. Use humus-enriched soil which will remain moist, not wet. Cherries are said to do better in acidic soil but are quite adaptable. Pruning, if needed, should be done immediately after flowering to prevent silver leaf and bacteria canker, and to encourage new growths that will bear flowers. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 29-07-2011