Prunus incisa ‘Lotte’ – A Compact Flowering Cherry for Early Spring

The Prunus incisa ‘Lotte’ is a charming ornamental cherry that delights gardeners with its compact size and beautiful spring blossoms. One of the earliest cherries to flower, it produces clouds of pale pink to white blooms in March and April, brightening gardens just as winter fades. Its small size and elegant branching make it perfect for smaller gardens, patios, and containers, where it can be admired up close.

Beyond its spring flowers, ‘Lotte’ also provides colourful autumn foliage, with leaves turning warm shades of orange and red before falling. Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow, this compact cherry is a perfect choice for adding seasonal beauty to any outdoor space.

General Information

Prunus incisa, also known as the Fuji Cherry, is native to Japan and is well-known for its dainty flowers and neat growth habit. The cultivar ‘Lotte’ is specially bred for its compact form and ornamental value.

• Habit: Compact, rounded, deciduous small tree or large shrub.

• Height & spread: Typically 2–3m tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens.

• Flowers: Pale pink buds open to soft pink or white blossoms in early spring. Flowers appear before or with the first leaves.

• Foliage: Green leaves in summer, turning brilliant orange and red in autumn.

• Position: Prefers full sun for the best flowers and autumn colour.

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal; tolerates most soil types except waterlogged ground.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Northern Europe, tolerating frost and cold winters.

• Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, in small gardens, in mixed borders, or grown in large containers.

Its compact size and seasonal interest make ‘Lotte’ especially valuable for smaller spaces where larger cherries would be too dominant.

Care Guide

Prunus incisa ‘Lotte’ is straightforward to grow and requires little more than basic tree care to thrive.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in autumn or spring, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, with room for its eventual 2–3m spread.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Ensure good drainage, particularly in clay soils.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to help establish roots.

• Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning is needed.

• Prune lightly after flowering if shaping is required, removing crossing or damaged branches.

• Avoid heavy pruning, as cherries can be prone to silver leaf disease.

• Mulch annually in spring with compost or bark to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Protection

• Fully hardy and low-maintenance.

• Protect young trees from rabbits or deer if planted in open sites.

• Ensure shelter from very strong winds to protect delicate blossoms.

Why Choose Prunus incisa ‘Lotte’?

This compact cherry is an ideal ornamental tree for gardens of all sizes.

• Early flowering: Pale pink blossoms appear in March/April, heralding spring.

• Compact size: Perfect for small gardens, patios, or containers.

• Seasonal colour: Beautiful spring flowers and fiery autumn foliage.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, easy to grow, and reliable.

• Versatile use: Suitable as a specimen, in mixed borders, or in containers.

The Prunus incisa ‘Lotte’ is a delightful small cherry tree that brings charm and seasonal interest without taking up too much space. With its early blossoms, compact size, and striking autumn colour, it’s a superb addition to any garden looking for year-round beauty in a manageable form.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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