Prunus ‘Snow Fountain’

Prunus 'Snow Fountains' (Prunus 'Snofozam') is a weeping ornamental cherry that stays small enough for a courtyard. Branches cascade straight to the ground from a grafted head, and in early spring they carry a curtain of pure white blossom before the leaves appear. Expect roughly 2.5m tall and 2m wide, with final height set by the graft height of the standard.

Why you'll love it

• Blossom before foliage. The bare branches flower along their whole length in early spring, so the display reads as a white waterfall.
• Small enough for a courtyard. At about 2.5m by 2m it works where a full sized flowering cherry never would.
• Two seasons of interest. White spring blossom, then the foliage colours before dropping in autumn.
• Roots that behave. Non-invasive, so it can sit near paving, a path or a courtyard wall.
• No shaping required. The weeping habit is built in by the graft, not created by pruning.

Where it works best

Courtyard and small garden feature. This is a specimen tree, meant to be seen from a window or a seat. Give it 2.5m of clear space and let the branches reach the ground.

Large pots. A container 600mm or wider suits it for years and holds it slightly smaller. Potted cherries dry out fast in summer, so be honest about watering.

Entry statement. A matched pair either side of a gate works well, and the non-invasive roots let them sit closer to hard edges than most trees.

Growing Prunus Snow Fountains in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree that needs winter chill to flower properly, so it belongs in southern, highland and tableland gardens. Subtropical and tropical gardens do not give it the cold it needs.

Soil. Well drained, moderately fertile soil with compost worked through. It is frost hardy and wind tolerant but will not accept waterlogging, so plant on a raised mound on clay and mulch 75mm deep.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then weekly in dry spells. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in late winter as the buds swell. Steady summer moisture prevents leaf scorch.

Pruning. Very little. Remove any shoots below the graft union as soon as you see them, since those come from the rootstock and will not weep. Tidy crossing branches after flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

Three sizes are grown: 400mm and 500mm pots, and 45L. All are grafted standards, so you receive a straight clear trunk with the weeping head already formed at the top and the shape is there on day one. The 45L gives the fullest curtain immediately.

Ordered outside spring the tree may arrive bare or sparsely leafed, which is normal for a deciduous cherry and not a fault. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect reliable flowering from the second spring. Every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Comparing ornamental blossom trees for Australian gardens
• Browse the wider ornamental tree range
• See other flowering trees for spring colour
• Compare small trees for urban gardens

Common questions

How tall will it actually get?

Around 2.5m tall and 2m wide, though trunk height is fixed by where the plant was grafted. A tree grafted at 1.5m stays taller overall than one grafted at 1m, since the head weeps down from there.

Will it flower in a warm climate?

Not reliably. It needs genuine winter chill to set flower buds, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens suit it best.

Why are straight shoots coming from the trunk?

Those are rootstock suckers from below the graft union, and they grow upright rather than weeping. Cut them off flush as soon as they appear, or they will take over the tree.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, in a container 600mm or wider with real drainage. Water daily through summer heat and refresh the top layer of mix each spring.