Prunus incisa Praecox
- Flowering month: February
- Flower colour: White
- Flower form: Single flower (5-8 petals)
- Flower size: Small
- Height 10 years: 1.5m-2.5m / 5ft-8ft
- Growth habit: Spreading
Praecox is a good example of the hardy small ornamental cherry species Prunus incisa. It features delicate white flowers on bare branches.
Like many of this species it flowers in the winter, usually January - February, and brings a welcome splash of cheerful blossom at this dull time of the year.
In autumn the leaves take on red and orange hues.
The species Prunus incisa is named for its deeply incised leaves. It is also known as the Fuji cherry, since this species is found on the slopes of Mount Fuji.
'Praecox' was developed in the UK, the name means precocious, reflecting its early-flowering period.
Praecox trees for sale
2-year top-worked (45cm) Praecox tree - in a 11.5L pot
1.5m-2.5m tall after 10 years
£49.95
How to grow
You can prune to maintain the shape - after the flowers have finished. Praecox grows slowly, with a spreading habit as it ages.
This is a very hardy species, and can be grown in most situations, but plant in full sun for the best blossom.
Praecox characteristics
Growing
- Attractive features:
Attractive flowers Winter colour
- Height 10 years:
1.5m-2.5m / 5ft-8ft
- Growth habit:
Spreading
- Growth rate:
Slow
- Vigour:
Slightly small
- Site conditions:
Occasional drought
- Sunlight:
Prefers full sun
- Useful for:
Patio growing
- Pruning:
Prune after flowering
- Gardening skill:
Suitable for beginners
Identification
- Country of origin:
United Kingdom
- Flowering month:
February
- Flowering season:
Early
- Flower colour:
White
- Flower form:
Single flower (5-8 petals)
- Flower size:
Small
- Leaf/Flower sequence:
Flowers appear first
- Leaf colour:
Green
- Leaf colour - young:
Green
- Leaf colour - autumn:
Orange / Red
- Annual cycle:
Deciduous
- Awards:
RHS Award of Garden Merit
Similar varieties
How to choose a flowering cherry tree
We have a very wide range of flowering cherry trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different characteristics of flowering cherries might help narrow down the selection.
