Blooming season is here, and to get everyone ready for one of our favourite times of the year here in Oozells Square, we’ve got some fun facts about the ‘Pink Perfection’ variety of cherry blossoms which are found here at Brindleyplace…
1 – Consumable?
Yes, you read that right! Not the whole tree, of course – but the leaves and blossoms are edible. Eating the leaves and blossoms is a traditional practise, particularly in Japanese cuisine. Eating cherry blossom-infused foods is a beautiful way to celebrate the arrival of spring and embrace the beauty of nature.
They aren’t eaten raw; instead, they’re salted or pickled to preserve and enhance the subtle floral, and slightly tangy flavour. This process helps breaks down any natural toxins which may be harmful in large doses. Once prepared, the blossoms can then be used in everything such as teas, mochi, onigiri, syrups, jams and even cocktails.
2 – British bred
While Cherry Blossoms originated in China before spreading to Japan, Korea and other parts of Eurasia, the ‘Pink Perfection’ has a different story. It was actually developed in the UK – yet it’s still considered a “Japanese” flowering cherry due to its ancestry.
First cultivated around 1935, ‘Pink Perfection’ is believed to be a hybrid seedling with Prunus ‘Kanzan’ and Prunus ‘Shogetsu’. A British creation with Japanese roots – truly the best of both worlds.
3 – Award Winning
Thanks to its outstanding ornamental value, reliable performance and suitability for smaller gardens, the ‘Pink Perfection’ cherry tree received the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2002. It had already earned recognition in 1993, with the honour officially reconfirmed in 2012. Not bad for a tree.
4 – Little sister
The ‘Pink Perfection’ typically grows as wide as it is tall, reaching between 4 and 8 metres in both height and spread, establishing itself over 10 to 20 years. While this medium-sized tree is perfect for many gardens, it can be a slightly too generous for smaller spaces.
That is where the ‘Little Pink Perfection’ comes in. This compact, dwarf flowering cherry tree typically reaches only 3 x 3 metres in 20 years, making it ideal for smaller gardens without sacrificing charm.
5 – Double Trouble
These blossoms aren’t just pink – they are double blooms, each flower featuring a remarkable 28 – 32 frilly petals. This gives them a dense rose-pink, pom-pom effect that’s impossible to ignore.
Not only are these flowers stunning, but they last longer than usual blossoms. While most cherry trees drop their petals within a week, ‘Pink Perfection’ blooms in late April and May with flowers that will often stay on the tree for several weeks. More time to admire, photograph and fall in love.
Like what you see? Take part in our annual photography competition and tag us in your Instagram posts for the chance to have your photograph displayed on the Brindleyplace website and win spot prizes from restaurants around the estate.
Tag @Brindleyblossoms and use the hashtags #blossomwatch #brindleyblossoms
