Prunus ‘Ichiyo’

Originating from Japan and introduced to England by the renowned Captain Collingwood Cherry Ingram, a distinguished expert on Japanese flowering cherries.

In early spring,  the branches of this tree are adorned with pink buds, resembling rolls of cotton candy. These buds unfurl into a lavish display of double flowers, featuring delicate shades of pink. Each flower, with up to 20 petals clustered around an open heart, resembles a ballerinas tutu, creating a captivating flutter along the branches. The name ‘Ichyo’ translating to ‘one leaf’ in Japan, alludes to the leaf life pistil at the heart of the flower. As the blossoms mature, they transition to a creamy white hue.

Following the flowers, the leaves emerge with a bronzed green tint, transforming into a fresh, vivid green throughout summer. With the arrival of autumn, the canopy undergoes a picturesque transformation, showcasing rich marmalade orange and ruby red hues before the leaves fall.

The ‘Ichiyo’ is well suited for broader public open spaces and circular green verges. Consider planting it on a roundabout with bluebells underneath. The spreading branches adorned with delicate pink blossoms against the lower bluebell canopy, will create a compact yet beautiful landscape.