List of Award of Garden Merit flowering cherries

Cerisier du Japon Prunus serrulata

List of Award of Garden Merit Flowering Cherries refers to a selection of cherry trees, specifically those that have been recognized for their outstanding qualities in the garden by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a mark of quality awarded to garden plants by the RHS following a period of assessment. Flowering cherries, known for their spectacular spring blooms, are popular ornamental trees in many gardens and landscapes. This list highlights varieties that have met the rigorous standards for plant health, performance, and beauty set by the RHS.

Award of Garden Merit Flowering Cherries

The following is a list of flowering cherry varieties that have received the Award of Garden Merit. These trees are celebrated for their vibrant displays of flowers, ranging from white to deep pink, and for their various forms and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of garden settings.

• Prunus 'Accolade' - An early-flowering cherry known for its pink, semi-double flowers. It has a spreading habit and can reach up to 8 meters in height.
• Prunus 'Amanogawa' - A narrow, columnar tree, ideal for small gardens. It produces fragrant, semi-double pale pink flowers in late spring.
• Prunus avium 'Plena' - The double-flowered wild cherry, featuring pure white, dense flower clusters. It is a large tree, suitable for spacious gardens.
• Prunus 'Kanzan' - One of the most popular cultivars, with vivid pink, double flowers. It has a vase-shaped growth and can grow to be quite large.
• Prunus 'Shirofugen' - Notable for its changing flower colors, from pink buds to white flowers that age to pink. It has a broad, spreading habit.
• Prunus 'Shirotae' - Known as 'Mount Fuji', this tree has a spreading habit and produces fragrant, semi-double white flowers.
• Prunus 'Tai-haku' - The 'Great White Cherry', celebrated for its large, single white flowers. It has a broad, spreading form.
• Prunus 'Ukon' - Unusual for its greenish-yellow flowers, 'Ukon' offers a unique variation from the typical pink and white cherry blossoms.
• Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis' - Known for its ability to flower intermittently during mild winter periods as well as in spring, with pale pink to white flowers.
• Prunus x yedoensis - The Yoshino cherry, famous for its clouds of white to pale pink flowers. It has a spreading habit and is widely used in public landscapes and parks.

Selection Criteria

The RHS evaluates plants for the Award of Garden Merit based on several criteria, including:

• Ornamental value
• Hardiness and adaptability
• Ease of growth and maintenance
• Resistance to pests and diseases

Plants that meet these criteria are deemed to be of significant value to gardeners and are likely to perform well in a variety of garden settings.

Importance of the AGM

The Award of Garden Merit helps gardeners make informed choices about the plants they grow. By selecting AGM winners, gardeners can be assured of the quality and performance of their plants. This is particularly valuable for flowering cherries, which are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal.

See Also

• Royal Horticultural Society
• Ornamental tree
• Cherry blossom
• Prunus