Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai'
Hello, I’m Emma, Nursery Manager here at Barnsdale Gardens. Each month I choose a plant that’s looking its best in the gardens or nursery and share how you can grow it successfully at home.
This month’s choice is Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’, a true showstopper. Compact yet full of character, this small ornamental tree has distinctive zig-zagging branches that create a striking silhouette, even in winter when the tree is bare.
Why Choose Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’?
As spring arrives, ‘Kojo-no-mai’ bursts into life, becoming smothered in masses of delicate, pale pink flowers. Later in the year, it puts on a warm autumn display, with leaves turning rich shades of orange and red before falling. Its modest size makes it the perfect specimen tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, or even large containers.
Where to Plant Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’
Originally found on the slopes of Mount Fuji, this variety—also known as the Fuji cherry—thrives in a sunny position in free-draining soil.
How to Care for Fuji Cherry Trees
Once established, it is remarkably low-maintenance. Light pruning just after flowering will help maintain its shape, although many people prefer just to let the naturally zig-zagging branches develop freely.
Planting Companions and Garden Design Ideas
Underplanting Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ with early-flowering bulbs such as crocus and Snowdrops works particularly well, as the tree’s structural branches beautifully frame the flowers. It also fits effortlessly into a cottage-garden border, surrounded by lower-growing, sun-loving perennials such as Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’ or Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’. For year-round interest, consider pairing it with evergreen grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Anemanthele lessoniana—a combination that looks especially striking during the winter months.
Growing and Propagating Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken from late spring to mid-summer. Fully hardy, the specimen in our gardens has thrived, with its spring blossom unaffected by last year’s extremes of winter wet and the hot, dry summer (2025). Even plants grown in pots on the nursery remained happy and healthy throughout the year.
Wildlife Value in the Garden
If you’re still undecided, there’s another great reason to choose this small tree: it attracts pollinators. Its early blossom provides a valuable food source for insects emerging from hibernation.
See Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ at Barnsdale Gardens
If you’re looking for a tree that offers year-round interest without demanding too much space, Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ comes highly recommended.
You can find a specimen of this lovely tree in our Japanese Garden, in pots on our nursery and for sale online by clicking here.
