Cherry, Sargents (Prunus sargentii)

Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii)

is one of the more upright flowering cherries. A small/medium rounded tree Prunus sargentii carries its 2.5 cm wide flowers in clusters (varying from light to dark pink depending on variety) on bare wood in spring before its leaves show. In a good year Prunus sargentii is covered in bloom. The leaves are glossy and wide with a serrated edge and turn to reds and dark yellows in autumn. The blossom is sometimes followed by black cherries which are eaten by birds and squirrels long before they are ripe. The bark of Prunus sargentii is a rather handsome smooth reddish brown that is prominent in winter. It shape makes it a good choice for planting in a small group or as an ornamental specimen in a small garden - it looks fantastic if it is grown in front of a dark green foliage background. Prunus sargentii is a pale pink - for a much darker pink and an even more upright tree take a look at Prunus sargentii Rancho.

The Sargent cherry prefers full sun although it will do well in light, partial shade. All the books say it is best on well drained soils that are neutral to acid although my father planted one on chalk shale that is still going strong 45 years later.... To 8m