Shogetsu Flowering Cherry
Maybe I should title this the "Tale of Two Flowering Cherries". One is very popular and the other is hardly known. And the one that is hardly known is, in my opinion, the tree I would plant first. So I intend, through this blog post, to shed more light on it.
Prunus serrulata 'Shogetsu' is rarely purchased from us to the point that I really should stop growing it (which I don't want to do). And the Mt. Fuji (Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae') is quite popular with large numbers being grown. Both have strong similarities to each other and both are beautiful trees.
| Shogetsu | Mt. Fuji - Shirotae |
| Large, semi-double to very double, pale pink flowers, often with white centers. | Double white, fragrant flowers, ageing to purplish pink. |
| Flowers hanging in clusters | Flowers hanging in clusters |
| Structure is spreading with arching branches | Horizontal habit |
| Height 15 ft., Spread 18 ft. | Height 15-20 ft., Spread 20-25 ft. |
Now this is personal preference, totally subjective and unscientific, but I like the pink blooms of the Shogetsu that turn to white as it ages as opposed to something that is nearly all white. Granted, if you want a white flowering cherry, the Mt. Fuji - Shirotae is considered one of the best and there is nothing wrong with it. It too is stunning in the spring season. Another consideration is the Shogetsu is a slightly smaller growing tree for the dwindling sized yards.
So here are some comparison photos:
Shogetsu - bud stage
Mt. Fuji - Shirotae buds and open blooms
Shogetsu Open Blooms
Mt. Fuji - Shirotae - Full Open Blooms
Shogetsu - Full Open Blooms - Past Peak Bloom & starting to age
More photos can be seen here: Shogetsu and Mt. Fuji Shirotae
I have shared my opinion - what are your thoughts?
Ron Ludekens 3-27-2013