Introduced to America in 1902, the Yoshino Cherry tree is a native of Japan. Widely considered the very symbol of spring beauty, featuring fragrant, white-pink flowers, an oriental branching pattern, glossy bark & dark-green leaves, it's alternately called the Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis). In its homeland, legend insists that each spring a fairy maiden hovers low in the warm sky, wakening the sleeping Cherry trees to life with her delicate breath. Along with its cousin the "Kwanzan" Cherry tree, the "Yoshino" is responsible for the spectacular pink color show each spring in Washington, D.C. It's also the tree that made the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival famous. One of the most widely planted ornamental cherry trees, the Yoshino Cherry is ideal for placing close to sidewalks or as a patio shade tree. Preferring full sun & moist, well-drained soil, it grows in zones 5 – 8 in the United States; it is somewhat drought tolerant. Growing at a medium rate, the Yoshino Cherry is considered large at maturity, reaching heights of 40' to 50' with a spread of 25' to 40'. Usually emerging before the leaves in March & April, its blossoms provide a stunning show of pink, slightly fragrant flowers that measure approximately 3/4" in diameter. Its simply shaped leaves alternate pattern and often emerge reddish in color. Turning dark green by summer, they range in size from 2-1/2" – 5" long & up to 2-1/2" wide. An important food source for wildlife, the Yoshino bears round fruit that's 1/2" to 1" in diameter. However, this cherry tree leaves insignificant litter because it attracts many small birds (e.g., robins, cardinals & waxwings) and mammals who devour it happily. In addition, gardeners and landscapers love the fact that it's deer-resistant because it’s seldom severely damaged. Our pretty spring collection of pink textiles is named in honor of this vibrant ornamental beauty!
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Spring 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
