Prunus serrula - 125-150 CM C2 WHIP

Description
The Birch bark cherry (Prunus serrula) is a multi-stemmed, branched small tree with decorative, dark red, oval fruits. It produces white, cupped flowers from April to May. The Birch bark cherry also has lanceolate, medium-green leaves. The amber-yellow shoots are also an interesting sight. In a sunny to semi-shady location with nutrient-rich, sandy, loamy soil, it usually reaches a height of around 9 metres and grows to a width of around 7 metres.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Prunus tibetica.

Bulletpoints
* Fruit ornamentation * attractive yellow autumn colouring * amber-yellow shoots * Not suitable for planting over, trunk protection recommended

Leaves
The deciduous leaves of Birch bark cherry are medium green, lanceolate, alternate. They are about 8 - 12 cm tall. Amber-coloured shoots. Birch bark cherry turns bright yellow in autumn.

Bark
Bronze, flaking, shiny bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
China.

Frost hardiness
The Birch bark cherry has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Multi-stemmed, branched.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The white, cupped flowers appear from April to May.

Fruit
The dark red, oval drupes of Prunus serrula are particularly decorative. These appear from August.

Use
Ornamental shrub

Root
Prunus serrula is a deep-rooting plant and, depending on the soil, forms runner-forming roots.