Prunus incisa Mikinori - Cherry

The Prunus incisa 'Mikinori' is not the most well-known Japanese flowering cherry tree, despite its bushy and compact habit well adapted to small spaces, its ease of cultivation, and its early and spectacular flowering, full of charm and freshness. This variety blooms from March to May depending on the region, on leafless branches; its numerous pink buds open to reveal small semi-double, almost white flowers. Quite discreet in summer under its small green foliage, the bush reveals itself again in autumn, with exceptionally glowing foliage. It thrives in the ground as well as in pots, in the sun, in any well-drained soil, without excess limestone or acidity.

The Prunus incisa, commonly called the Dwarf Japanese Flowering Cherry, is a very hardy tree, of modest size, belonging to the large Rosaceae family. In its natural environment, it grows spontaneously on the slopes of Mount Fuji, in Japan. The 'Mikinori' cultivar shows an even more reduced development, slow growth, and shallow rooting, particularly suited to container cultivation. At maturity, it will not exceed 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in height by 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in spread. With a naturally bushy and dense habit, it develops branches with interesting patterns, appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts. The flowering takes place very early in spring, sometimes as early as February in more mild climates, but generally flowering occurs in March-April. The flowers, produced profusely, open before the leaves, suspended by a short peduncle on well-defined branches. They emerge from pink buds, then blossom into semi-double corollas measuring 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) in diameter, white with pink spots in the center. This flowering attracts pollinating insects, allowing the flowers to transform into small brown drupes, resembling dark cherries, sought after by birds but not edible for humans. The deciduous foliage consists of alternate leaves, 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in) long, ovate in shape, finely and deeply toothed along the edges. Purple at budburst, they become light green in summer, before taking on intense red coloration in autumn in this 'Mikinori' variety.

Its twisted line formed by sinuous branches makes the flowering cherry suitable for bonsai cultivation. With slow growth, this small tree, a symbol of renewal, is suitable for small gardens as well as container cultivation on a terrace. You can plant it in a flowerbed or as a standalone specimen, in a hedge, or even in rows. 'Mikinori', not demanding, is satisfied with well-prepared ordinary soil, tolerates heat and the presence of limestone in the soil without excess. It can be grown in most environments. For example, in a hedge or flowerbed, it can be associated with other spring-flowering shrubs, simultaneous or staggered, such as ornamental apple trees, flowering peaches, Chinese almond trees, hawthorns, etc.