PRUNUS ‘The Bride’

Description

The Plant

The PRUNUS ‘The Bride’ presents itself as a flowering cherry tree that can be considered a jewel. Indeed, it is less well known than the great classics of Japanese cherry trees. This does not prevent it from surprising with its incredibly abundant flowering.

Furthermore, its flowers are pure white with a hint of pink at the base of each petal (when the flower ages). This gives it a particularly delicate appearance.

Moreover, its reduced size compared to a PRUNUS x yedoensis and its compact silhouette make it an excellent plant for small gardens or flowerbeds. It will not exceed 2 to 3 meters after a decade.

Then, our bee friends and other pollinators will thank you, as the flowers are rich in nectar. In early spring, or even late winter, when food sources are still scarce, this shrub becomes a welcome stopover.

You will have noticed that we have published a photo of the leaf which seems unremarkable at first glance. Nevertheless, you will notice this fresh and quite bright green. In addition, the foliage remains clean and healthy throughout the summer.

The final spectacle occurs in autumn, when the foliage will take on a warm color from yellow to tender orange.

Finally, P. ‘The Bride’ is a reliable plant, resistant to cold, requiring no maintenance and resistant to diseases. What more could a gardener ask for?

History and Origin

PRUNUS ‘The Bride’ is a seedling of PRUNUS ‘Pandora’, also cultivated for its high ornamental value. However, it was not hybridized in Japan. It is attributed to the Kalmthout Arboretum (Belgium), where it was reportedly discovered in 1989.

Its poetic name ‘The Bride’ recalls its elegant all-white appearance (at the beginning of flowering). When it is completely covered in flowers, it evokes a wedding dress.

This magnificent plant was introduced at the end of the twentieth century. Hybridizers were actively seeking ornamental PRUNUS varieties suitable for city gardens at that time. This variety represents a movement away from the large trees of parks towards more compact and elegant cultivars.

How to plant and care for PRUNUS ‘The Bride’?

Planting

As we mentioned earlier, this flowering cherry tree is a very strong and easy-to-grow plant. However, consider the following points to give it the best chance:

1. Find it a place in full sun. This will guarantee optimal flowering.
2. The location can be medium to dry.
3. In terms of soil, this small tree is not really demanding. It is satisfied with light, normal or heavy soil with an acidic, neutral or calcareous pH.
4. For good preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Care

As with any newly planted plant, provide regular watering for the first two years, especially during dry periods. Also read our tips on how to water properly and save water here.

IMPORTANT: Avoid any pruning on flowering cherry trees. They do not tolerate it. Pruning generally condemns the plant in the long run.