Prunus 'Ariake'

Recorded in 1681. Ariake means Dawn or Daybreak in modern Japanese but in old times it refers to sunrise when a full moon is still visible in the sky, after the moonlike shape of the flowers and the colour change from pinkish to pure white (cf. The colour of the moon as twilight fades and the sun rises over the horizon). Other names: P. serrulata f. candida Miyoshi 1916; P. lannesiana ‘Candida’ .

A funnel-shaped tree to 7 m high with large single to semi-double pure white flowers when opened from slightly pinkish buds. Flowers in clusters of 4-7; 5.5 cm dia., flat saucer-shaped, fragrant, occurring in great profusion. Flowering period mid-April to early May.

Very hardy in standing cold and exposure well.

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At Keele: Between the Chapel and Tawny Buildings. Compartment 44D; square M7; tag 4020.

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All images ©  Dave Emley unless stated otherwise.