Prunus 'Shirotae'

Prunus 'Shirotae', Wootton Bassett, 29th March 2019

I really thought I'd missed out on Prunus 'Shirotae' this year -- it's the earliest of the Sato Zakura ornamental cherries -- that is, until I caught sight of this beauty on a council estate in Wootton Bassett.

Shirotae has less pink on it than any of the others. It only shows, faintly, on the outside of the buds. The leaves are pure fresh green, with just a brief flush of bronze when they first show.

The flowers are semi-double, often with just a couple of extra petals.. (not that different to Ukon once it has turned white. But Ukon is vase shaped, not flat-topped, and its leaves emerge brownish.)

This tree was growing next to the other one, and I suppose it's another Shirotae but it certainly wasn't so instantly recognizable, and I hesitated. The shape, the pinker buds, the relative lateness and the lack of green leaves... But the blossom looks much the same. Thoughts welcome!

Prunus 'Shirotae'. Beanacre, 30th March 2019.

Another two, in very different surroundings, at Beanacre, near Melksham. Mature tree on the right, and a young one on the left.

Prunus 'Shirotae', buds and new leaves.

Prunus 'Shirotae', flowers and new leaves.

Prunus 'Shirotae', young tree.