Photo/Illutration Blossoms of the new semi-double flowering variety in the family of the Fuji cherry, which was developed by the Nishinomiya city government (Provided by the Nishinomiya city government)

NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo Prefecture--Researchers here said they have created a cherry tree that can easily be kept at home and will blossom even if pruned into a compact shrub less than 1 meter tall.

The city-run Plant Research Center in the Kitayamacho district said its new Fuji cherry variety is small enough to be planted in a pot and blooms semi-double flowers.

According to the research center, cherry varieties are generally tall and require a plot of land large enough for healthy growth.

Although the trees are a beloved sight during the cherry blossom season in spring, it is uncommon to see them planted for ornamental purposes at homes because they grow so large.

In fiscal 2008, the research center started the project to allow more residents to raise a shrub variety that sprouts cherry blossoms, which are designated as the city’s official flower.

The new cultivar is a crossbreed between a Fuji cherry variety and the Shukugawa maizakura, a semi-double flowering cherry tree originally developed by the city government.

The new plant blooms at the same time as the somei-yoshino variety, the officials said.

The new cherry tree will be planted across the city for sale in or after fiscal 2021, which starts in April.

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