Sargent's Cherry

Arguably one of the best cherries for autumn colour, Prunus sargentii is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a broad, vase-shaped habit. In early spring, it produces a profusion of single, shell-pink flowers that appear just as the bronze-tinted young leaves begin to emerge. The foliage then turns a rich, lustrous green through the summer, but it is in autumn that this tree truly shines, with the leaves turning brilliant shades of fiery orange and crimson. The bark is another attractive feature, being smooth and a dark, reddish-brown colour. This species is very hardy (H6) and more resistant to pests and diseases than many hybrid cherries. It performs best in a sunny, open position with fertile, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate waterlogging well. Due to its eventual size and spreading canopy, it is better suited to larger gardens or parkland settings where it can be allowed to reach its full potential as a stunning seasonal focal point.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.