Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 3 metres in 20 years
FoliagePurple leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
FlowersPink double flowers in spring
SoilMost soils except extremes
Description
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ creates an attention-grabbing contrast between bundles of candyfloss pink flowers and glossy, deep wine coloured foliage. The blousy double flowers are a feature in their own right, appearing in March-April. ‘Royal Burgundy’ offers another vibrant display in autumn, when the dark purple leaves turn bright scarlet before falling. In winter, the exfoliating coppery bark creates interest.
Growing to a height and spread of 5 x 3 metres in 20 years, this small, gently spreading cherry variety makes a wonderful feature tree with changing interest throughout the year. Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ has been granted the RHS Award of Garden Merit and can be grown in most soils except damp. As with most Flowering Cherries, a position with full sun is preferable.
AKA Purple Leaved Cherry Blossom tree, Prunus serrula ‘Royal Burgundy’
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.
