This large shrub to small tree has a solitary greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has dark green pointed leaves that turn reddish in autumn and the white-pink-saucer-shaped flowers appear in a small cluster in late spring.

Hardiness zones 6 to 9 

Prunus nipponica is naturally found in Japan from Hokkaido to Honshu growing in woodlands in the mountains and in the adjoining valleys to an altitude of 1200 m (3,700 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny to partially shaded wind protected position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist soils with a pH 4.5-7.5 and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Japanese Alpine Cherry is grown for its flowers, attractive bark and autumn colour. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or group plantings along avenues. It is suitable to inland and mountainous regions establishing in 2-4 years and is long-lived. This small tree is also used in Japanese gardens. ID 3486

Prunus (PROO-nus) nipponica (nee-PON-ee-kah)

Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family