Prunus
incisa 'Kojo-no-mai', or as it is more commonly known, the Fuji Cherry
is an excellent subject for bonsai cultivation. It is frequently
available in Garden Centres and nurseries in the UK and around Europe
during the early months of Spring where it is frequently admired for
its very early pink/white blossom in March.
Prunus
incisa is a spreading, rounded shrub (as opposed to the more tree-like
habits of many other Cherry species) also suitable for use as hedging
material as it responds well to frequent pruning which in turn creates
a dense foliage mass.
Leaves
are oval shaped and can be reduced to just 1cm or less in length,
showing a mid-green colour in summer followed by a vibrant orange red
in autumn. Where spent flowers are left on the tree, small purple
fruits appear in the Autumn.
The
only real disadvantage that I see with this species, is that though
relatively young examples are very frequently seen for sale, it can be
difficult to obtain mature specimens with a substantial trunkbase.
A
lack of decent trunk girth invariably requires that material needs to
be greatly reduced in height for development as mame bonsai (bonsai
under 6" in height).
