Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ Semi-Mature & Mature Trees

The Prunus Umineko, also known as the Snow Goose, is a charming hybrid of the Prunus speciosa and Prunus incisa trees. Originally cultivated by Collingwood Ingram, an English plant collector renowned for his expertise in Japanese Cherries, this hybrid later gained commercial popularity under the name Prunus Snow Goose when produced by Doorenbes at a Dutch nursery. Despite the different names, both varieties are essentially identical.

Named after the White-tailed seagull in Japanese, Umineko, this tree earns its moniker from the striking white blossoms it produces. The alternate name, Snow Goose, also alludes to the blossom's colour resembling that of the bird.

In appearance, the Prunus Umineko takes on an upright, columnar shape, resembling a pillar. It maintains a modest width, typically staying within a 3-meter range even as it matures. In April, the tree bursts into bloom with single, brilliant white flowers. These flowers are adorned with long tassel anthers and pink centre stamens, giving them the appearance of red ink splashes at their hearts. Over time, the colours deepen into shades of pink and purple, creating a captivating spectacle. The foliage emerges simultaneously with the blossoms, offering a backdrop of fresh green that enhances the beauty of the white-pink flowers. As autumn arrives, the leaves transition to warm hues of marmalade and crimson amber, adding another layer of visual interest to the tree.

With its slender profile, the Prunus Umineko is an excellent choice for narrow spaces, making it ideal for street planting or adding dramatic structure to small public areas. Planting it in a row of three can create a stunning visual impact, showcasing its seasonal beauty to full effect.