Prunus serrula (Birch Bark Cherry)

A small specimen tree for all lovers of ornamental bark. Mahogany red and very shiny. Masses of white flowers in spring followed by pale green leaves. The tree could reach 15ft in 15 years.

Easy little tree that's happy on any reasonably well drained soil but as with all Cherry trees, somewhat susceptible to various fungal conditions and therefore, raking up fallen leaves in autumn and burning them (in case they're contaminated) is a good idea. Come to think of it, that applies to all plants.

Give it space to form a nice shape and cut off dead bits.

Propagated by cuttings.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.