Key features
Final size4 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves turn red in autumn (deciduous)
FlowersWhite spring flowers, small black autumn fruits
BarkAttractive peeling bark provides winter interest
SoilMost soils except extremes
Description
The Manchurian Cherry tree, Prunus maackii, features striking bark, flowers and autumn colour. The cinnamon coloured, peeling, shiny bark is showcased at it’s best in the winter months. The dense, green, rounded canopy explodes with white, fragrant flowers in long racemes in early-mid May. A multitude of tiny black fruits amongst red and gold foliage follow in autumn; these fruits are perfect to use in the kitchen for jams and jellies or left on the branches to feed the birds.
Prunus maackii is a fairly fast growing tree reaching an estimated height and spread of 4 x 4 metres in 20 years. Unlike most Flowering Cherry trees, this variety thrives in cold situations and prefers full sun to partial shade, growing well in any soil of medium moisture level. Offering both spring and winter interest, this flowering tree is pollution tolerant, making it an ideal choice for urban gardens.
AKA Manchurian cherry tree, Amur Chokecherry, Amur cherry tree
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Flowering Cherry trees require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
It is beneficial to carry out formative pruning for the first few years by creating a balanced branch framework and removing badly placed shoots. After two to three years, you will only need to remove any damaged or unwanted branches. On top grafted forms, very occasionally the grafted stem may produce shoots and these should be pruned back. The best time of year to prune Cherry Blossom trees is straight after flowering.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
