Take a journey through the history of the cherry blossom with RHS Rosemoor

Spring is the time for blossom - and the most beautiful must be that of the cherry. The Japanese have appreciated cherry blossom for many centuries but it has only taken the world by storm since the early 20th century. This was largely through the efforts of one man - Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram who also happened to be great friends with Lady Anne Palmer; she gifted Rosemoor estate to the RHS in 1988.

After Japan began to open up to the world in the 1860s, following two centuries of self-imposed isolation, there followed a craze for anything Japanese and Ingram was soon drawn in. He started travelling in Japan at the age of 21 when his main interest lay in ornithology.

His passion with Japanese cherries was sparked when he bought an estate in Kent, which included a garden with two cherry trees; this was highly unusual at the time. Later, he declared that ‘there are to be found among the Cherries some of the most lovely trees in the world’. Ingram introduced about 50 different Japanese cherries to Britain and he was the first person in the world to hybridise them artificially, creating his own varieties.

‘Cherry’ Ingram is probably best known for re-introducing Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ AGM to Japan. In the spring of 1923, he was invited to visit a garden in Sussex where the owner was growing several varieties of cherry, one of which he had never seen before. Although it was in poor condition, Ingram took some material for propagation. The ‘Great White Cherry’ is now cultivated throughout the world. He planted a small tree at Rosemoor himself, near the Stone Garden, where it has grown into a magnificent specimen much loved by staff and visitors alike.

In 1925, Ingram was visiting a cherry tree expert in Japan and was shown a painting from around 1700 and within the scene there was a representation of a cherry tree, which could not be mistaken for anything other than Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ with huge snow-white blossoms and rich copper-red young foliage. He was informed that it was extinct and Ingram was excited to be able to reintroduce this ‘most beautiful of all the white cherries’ to its country of origin. 

As a nation, Japan’s obsession with cherry blossom (Sakura) culminates in the custom of Hanami, which involves partying beneath the trees, dating back to at least the 3rd century AD. The ‘cherry blossom front’ is tracked as it moves northward beginning in the far south during January, reaching Tokyo at the end of March/ early April and ending at the northernmost point a few weeks later. 

Rosemoor has planted cherry trees as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree project which celebrates UK-Japan co-operation and friendship. Some 6500 trees planted throughout the UK will create spectacular spring displays of blossom for many years to come. Rosemoor continually adds to its cherry tree collection throughout the garden, enhancing the blossom display year on year. 

This year, to coincide with cherry blossom time, Rosemoor is holding a Japanese weekend from March 19 to 20, celebrating Japanese culture. Visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on for more information.

Gardening jobs for March and April:

1. In March, plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.
2. Plant summer flowering bulbs such as lilies and Gladioli, which can provide dramatic, tall scented blooms. In the borders, aim to plant in groups of at least 6 but to make a real impression 25-50 bulbs may be needed.
3. Cut back Cornus and Salix from late March to mid-April for colourful winter stems. It is important to prune in the dormant season as the plant resources in the roots are used for the vigorous regrowth.
4. In April, you can start sowing hardy annuals, herbs and wild flower seed outdoors. In milder regions, sowing can begin earlier than in colder parts of the country. Light soil also allows you to sow earlier than heavy, damp soils as it warms up more quickly.
5. If a late frost is predicted, protect the flowers and buds of top fruit and soft fruit. Use fleece to cover soft fruit bushes. Strawberries can be protected with cloches or a double layer of fleece as can small fruit trees. Don’t forget to remove it during the day to allow pollinators access.
6. Increase the water given to houseplants. Only water when the surface of the compost becomes dry, also, if the pot feels light, then it is in need of water. Plants in a cool room will need watering less often than those in a warm room. Allow them to drain thoroughly and then empty any water-filled saucers. 

By Sheila Dearing, RHS Rosemoor