Looking out from our kitchen is a real joy in late winter, thanks to the show put on by Prunus x subhirtella ‘Scott Early’. This amazing specimen was shared back in the 1990s by the staff of Swarthmore’s Scott Arboretum. Although it’s still rare in commerce, this cultivar was introduced by the Scott Arboretum in 1941, originating as a gift from the wife of their namesake, Mrs. Arthur Hoyt Scott. As you can see, our plant has made an amazing specimen. The original cross that created this hybrid was made by crossing two Japanese species, Prunus incisa and Prunus itosakura. The mature height is 40′, and the hardiness zone is Zone 5a-9a.
