Weeping higan cherry (Prunus 'Snofozam' SNOW FOUNTAINS)

Overview

The Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS, commonly known as the Weeping higan cherry, is an exceptionally popular ornamental tree prized for its dramatic sculptural form and profuse early spring bloom. This cultivar creates a breathtaking vertical display as its cascading branches weep gracefully, often touching the ground when fully adorned with pure white flowers. It brings exceptional structural interest to the garden even outside of its flowering season.

As a slow-growing specimen, the Weeping higan cherry offers manageable size, typically reaching heights between 8 and 15 feet. Along with its stunning appearance, the dark green foliage transitions into attractive gold and orange hues in the autumn, extending its ornamental value through the season. Gardeners value the unique weeping habit of Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS, which often develops naturally without the need for top-grafting seen in many other weeping cherries.

This cultivar provides a focal point in smaller landscapes or near entryways where its early spring beauty can be fully appreciated. While it offers few other functional benefits besides aesthetics, the bloom spectacle of Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS makes it a quintessential choice for adding elegance and early seasonal color to any temperate garden design.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 8-15 ft
  • Spread: 6-8 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Establish your Weeping higan cherry in spring or fall when conditions are cool, ensuring the site receives full sun for the best flowering potential, although it tolerates light shade. Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS thrives best when planted in moist, moderately fertile, well-drained loams. Proper drainage is critical to prevent root issues throughout the life of this beautiful tree.

Water needs are medium; ensure consistent moisture, especially during the first few years as the tree establishes its root system. Avoid overly wet or soggy conditions. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is already fertile, but standard feeding for ornamental trees can be applied in early spring if growth seems slow.

Pruning should be kept minimal for the Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS. If structural cuts are required, prune immediately after the spring blooming period concludes. Avoid heavy pruning, particularly in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth susceptible to winter injury.

Landscape Uses

The Weeping higan cherry is ideally suited as a specimen tree, meant to stand alone where its unique cascading structure can command attention. Its relatively compact spread (6-8 feet) allows it to fit beautifully into smaller areas around the home or as a striking focal point within a lawn space. This quality also makes it excellent for viewing from windows or patios.

Consider using the Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS near the peripheries of borders, providing a soft, draped edge where it can contrast with upright evergreen shrubs behind it. It is a classic element in Japanese-inspired gardens, lending an element of serene drama. Furthermore, the ground cover form, if sourced, is excellent for cascading over retaining walls or stabilizing banks with its weeping habit.

For companion planting, choose materials that contrast well with its white spring bloom and golden fall color. Grasses or low-growing hostas that tolerate moist soil and partial shade can work well beneath the canopy, provided they do not outcompete the shallow feeder roots of the cherry.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus Prunus includes hundreds of species valued for ornamental flowers, foliage, bark, or fruit like plums and peaches. ‘Snofozam’, marketed as SNOW FOUNTAINS, is distinguished by its slow growth and naturally weeping habit, reaching 8-15 feet tall in a cascading form. When covered in pure white flowers in early spring, the weeping branches dip to the ground, truly resembling a snow fountain. Foliage emerges dark green and matures to attractive gold and orange shades before dropping in the fall.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The Weeping higan cherry is susceptible to a significant number of insect and disease pests common to the Prunus genus. Potential diseases that gardeners should watch for include leaf spot, powdery mildew, die back, leaf curl, root rot, and the serious bacterial infection fireblight.

Insect pests can include aphids, scale insects, borers, leafhoppers, various caterpillars, and Japanese beetles. Spider mites can also become troublesome, particularly during hot, dry periods. Maintain plant vigor through proper watering and soil management to help the tree resist infestation, and prune out any diseased or infested wood immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Weeping higan cherry suitable for?

The Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS is best suited for landscape planting within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

How large does the Weeping higan cherry grow?

This ornamental tree typically matures to a height between 8 and 15 feet, with a spread ranging from 6 to 8 feet, maintaining a beautiful, weeping silhouette.

What sun exposure does Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS need?

For optimal flowering, ensure the Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS receives full sun throughout the day.

When does the Weeping higan cherry bloom?

This variety blooms notably early in the season, usually during April, noted for its pure white flower color.

Conclusion

The Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS offers unparalleled elegance, transforming early spring landscapes with its signature snow-white, heavy cascade of lightly fragrant flowers. Incorporating this Weeping higan cherry into your garden plan guarantees a dynamic specimen tree that provides visual interest across three seasons. Be sure to verify that your growing location falls within USDA Zones 5-8 to ensure successful establishment.

Companion Planting

When designing a planting scheme around your Prunus ‘Snofozam’ SNOW FOUNTAINS, consider partners that won’t compete heavily for surface water or nutrients. Low-growing perennials that prefer well-drained soil and benefit from the dappled shade cast by the cherry in summer are excellent choices. Consider Hosta varieties with chartreuse or blue foliage to contrast the dark green summer leaves of the cherry tree.

Bulb plantings, such as early daffodils or scilla, can be planted beneath the canopy to emerge shortly before or concurrent with the cherry bloom, capitalizing on the full sun exposure the tree receives before its canopy fully develops. Avoid overly aggressive ground covers that could choke out the tree’s roots, which prefer space to expand.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care centers around monitoring the dramatic bloom period in April; prune immediately after flowering ceases to shape the weeping canopy if necessary. Summer heat requires consistent medium watering, especially if you notice the soil drying out rapidly, but never allow the area to become waterlogged.

Autumn is the time to enjoy the foliage transition as the leaves turn shades of gold and orange before dropping. Minimal intervention is needed, but clear fallen leaves away from dense clumps to improve air circulation through the lower branches before winter dormancy sets in. Winter preparation involves ensuring the tree is adequately hydrated before the ground freezes hard, a good practice for all ornamentals in Zones 5 and 6.