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.

Hardiness level Green

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IF IT HAS A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT

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Hardy anywhere in Britain below approximately 1000ft (300m)

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.