Prunus ‘Tai-Haku’

Prunus Tai-Haku is a tree celebrated in traditional Japanese art and cinema for its majestic blossoms that evoke a sense of ancient Japan. Once considered extinct and presumed to exist only in historical depictions, a stroke of luck led to the discovery of a specimen thriving in a hobbyist’s garden in Sussex, England in the early 1920s. This chance encounter allowed the revival of this lost beauty without any interference, enabling the global propagation of Tai-Haku, with all specimens worldwide tracing their roots back to this singular tree discovered in Sussex.

The brilliant white blossoms possess a pure, almost icy blue undertone, devoid of any pink or purple hues. Their flawless, unwrinkled edges and their larger size than other Prunus blossoms, enhance their graceful beauty. Notably, these single flowers appear early in the trees life, providing immediate enjoyment.

To accentuate the purity of the blossoms, they open simultaneously with the unfolding of the coppery green leaves, creating a striking contrast. As autumn arrives, the leaves transition to shades of gold, adding warm hues to the landscape.

The wide-reaching canopy of the Tai-Haku extends horizontally, more than it does vertically, resembling an ancient crown delicately suspended above the surroundings. This tree brings illumination to any location, making it ideal for expansive public spaces, green verges in new housing developments, and meticulously designed landscapes in estates and stately homes. Its grandeur also lends itself to creating impressive entrances for business parks and prominent hotels.