Heritage Edition No.13 – Ryland’s Tree of the Month: PRUNUS Yedoensis – Yoshino Blossoming Cherry

Ryland has selected the Tree of the Month for September and this is certainly one of those trees that demands a moment of appreciation. And possibly the words ‘wow – that’s beautiful’ to be muttered softly to yourself. Which is precisely why this tree is used in some of the most spectacular landscapes, such as in Otago, Canterbury and Southland.

For those of you who haven’t met Ryland, his surname might give the game away a little. As a 4th generation member of the Harrison family, he grew up around plants and trees and he likes nothing more than busying himself around the nursery, where he’s involved in most activities; including logistics, sales and tree care.

As for his tree pick, one person who agrees with Ryland and thought this months tree more beautiful than all others, was Mrs Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, who first travelled from the United States to Japan in 1885, in her capacity as a travel writer.

Having seen this month’s tree pick on that first visit, she petitioned the U.S. Army Superintendent of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds to plant them along the Potomac waterfront in Washington DC. The same request would be made every following year until trees were finally planted in 1909. What tree could possibly be worth all this perseverance and fuss?

Both Ryland and Eliza really do favour a spectacular tree. Which is precisely why it’s used extensively in street plantings and as a specimen tree in gardens. Christchurch’s North Hagley Park is already drawing in crowds, thanks to the trees in full bloom – perfect for a family photo or an Instagram-worthy spot.

Yoshino Blossoming Cherry tree from Harrisons Heritage Collection on its way to Auckland.
Yoshino Blossoming Cherries from Harrisons Heritage Collection in a 1000Lt container, 4m+ height, 15+ years old.
Yoshino Blossoming Cherries from the Heritage grade in Northlake Wanaka, supplied by Easy Big Trees.
Yoshino Blossoming Cherries in Invercargill, supplied by Easy Big Trees.
Yoshino Blossoming Cherries in Arrowtown, also supplied by Easy Big Trees.
Prunus Yedoensis -Yoshino Blossoming Cherries at Otago University front garden.
Prunus Yedoensis -Yoshino Blossoming Cherries close up photos: blossoms and bird.
Testimonial from Nicola, Easy Big Trees from Queenstown: "Thank you for your excellent service and to the nursery for such high grade trees we have received from you all."
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