Prunus subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains
Common name: Snow Fountains Cherry
Prunus subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains is a compact deciduous tree with a strongly weeping habit. It is regarded as one of the finest weeping cherries and requires little maintenance.
In early spring, its elegant arching branches become covered in a multitude of delicately scented, snow-white single flowers. The floral display lasts for about three weeks. As the flowers wane, ovate dark green leaves emerge. In fall, these leaves turn to shades of gold, yellow, and rusty orange. P. subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains is grafted onto P. serrula var. tibetica (a Tibetan cherry), giving it its shiny mahogany-red bark. P. subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains is a great tree for smaller yards and can even be grown in a container. The cascading branches of this tree fall all the way to the ground, giving the appearance of a fountain, hence the name Snow Fountains.
P. subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains was created in 1985 by Jim Zampini, the owner of Lake County Nursery in Perry, Ohio. He bred, selected and introduced more than 200 plants.
P. subhirtella var. pendula 'Snofozam' Snow Fountains can be found on the Great Lawn in Bed 70. By the way, its trade name is Snow Fountains and its cultivar name is Snofozam. The 'zam' refers to Jim Zampini.
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe