Our Plants

The Yoshino cherry is one of the most widely planted ornamental cherry trees, celebrated for its profuse display of pale pink to nearly white blossoms that emerge in early spring before the leaves. This hybrid cherry is believed to have originated in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries and holds deep cultural significance, particularly in traditional springtime flower viewing (hanami). Yoshino cherries are valued for their rapid growth, graceful branching structure, and synchronized bloom, which creates a dramatic but relatively short-lived floral display. Widely planted throughout temperate regions, including iconic plantings in Washington, D.C. they thrive in full sun. 

This display of bonsai, on loan from the Kennett Collection, features early spring blooming Kurume azaleas, known for their bright flower colors and evergreen foliage. Also know as Japanese azaleas, this type of hybrid has been grown in Japan since as early as the late 1600's.  Obtained as full-sized shrubs from Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, these Kurume azaleas were given to the United States from France as part of the Centennial celebration.  Grown in the clump style, training began in 1980.