The Prunus ‘Tai-Haku’ is used in old Japanese art or movies because its majestic blossom creates beautiful scenes of ancient Japan. This ancient tree is well known in historical drawings and age-old artworks of Japan. Unfortunately, it died out and went extinct, and its beauty was thought lost and only to be remembered in pictures. By a chance encounter, a specimen was found to be growing in a hobbyist’s garden within Sussex, England in the early 1920s. This prized discovery was cultivated without any interference or meddling, allowing the commercial supply of this lost tree once more. All Tai-Hakus the world over, including all of Japan stem from this one single tree discovered in Sussex.

As if cultivated from the Garden of Eden, the brilliant white blossom is so pure, it almost has a blue icy undertone. It has no tinges of pink or shades of purple. Just perfect white flowers with a straight, unwrinkled edge. They are single flowers which enhance the graceful beauty, being elegantly larger than all other Prunus blossom. Unlike some trees, the flowers will grow from an early age, so they can be enjoyed straight away.

To accentuate the purity of the flower even more, they open at the same time as the coppery green leaves unfold, providing the perfect contrast to their simple allure. The leaves develop orange shades of gold for the autumn months.

The canopy is wide-reaching, growing out further than it is in height. This dazzling shape appears like an ancient crown gently hovering above the landscape.

A tree that will enlighten any location. It is ideal for larger public open spaces and green verges within new housing developments for the public to enjoy. Often designed within estates and stately homes. It creates the grandest of entrances to business parks and prominent hotels.