Cerasus ×compta ("Akatsukizakura")

Japanese name: アカツキザクラ （暁桜）
Scientific name: Cerasus ×compta

[Overview]
A deciduous tree presumed to be a hybrid of Kasumi-zakura and Oyama-zakura, with characteristics intermediate between the two.
It is often found in areas where Kasumi-zakura and Oyama-zakura grow together.
The leaves are simple and alternate, obovate-elliptic, with rather coarse double serrations on the margin.
The leaf tip is pointed.
The underside of the leaf is slightly tinged with white.
The leaf stalk is hairy.
The flowers are borne in umbels from the leaf axils; they are 3–5 cm across, pale pink close to white, with 5 petals, and open in mid-April at the same time as the new leaves unfold.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or grafting.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site.
If it becomes a problem by growing into a large tree in a garden, it is good to limit the space in which the roots can spread by using a fabric pot, to control the size of the tree.
While it is a young tree, protect it from frost by spreading straw around the base of the plant, for example.
Also, it is better not to cut the branches needlessly unless necessary.
Pests and diseases are numerous, so care is needed.

[Notes]
It is sometimes classified more finely, into forms such as Ke-ezo-yama-zakura and Hatsuyuki-zakura.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)