Prunus ‘Amanogawa’

An upright variant of Prunus serrulata, introduced to England in early 1900’s by renowned plant collector Ernest Wilson. This cultivar, initially observed along the Arakawa river and dating back to 1830, earned the poetic nickname ‘River of the Sky’

With its narrow pillar shape, it offers versatility for even the most confined spaces, reaching a mere 1m in width at its maximum. The branches ascend tightly, nearly vertical to the trunk. During early spring, the tree adorns itself with fragrant large semi-double flowers, which are a favourite among bees. Post-blossom, the leaves unfold in a bronzed green with coppery tones, transitioning to a lush green before transforming into autumnal shades of burgundy and red. Notably, it seldom produces any fruit.

A striking tree, perfect for infusing vibrant colour into compact urban spaces entrenched with infrastructure. Its distinctive form lends itself well to landscape sculptures, making it remarkably beautiful in every day settings. Consider planting a disciplined row of ‘Amanogawa’ in narrow public open spaces or green verges within developments to create a military-like alignment that captivates the eye.