Prunus sargentii

The autumn colour is probably at its best in our gardens at the moment, looking especially good on a clear, sunny day.

In the new area opened up last year, a Prunus sargentii is looking particularly stunning at the moment, with masses of apricot orange-bronze leaves hanging from the branches.

At only eight years old, it is still quite young and yet has a lovely habit and year round interest. In spring, the branches are covered with masses of large, single, white flushed pink flowers at about the same time as the young leaves emerge.

The foliage is initially an intriguing bronze-green in colour, darkening later on in summer before developing the colourful autumn colours shown in the photograph.

Interestingly, the autumn colour can vary on trees planted in different areas. Although our own plant has the flamboyant orange autumn colours, others can have vivid scarlet leaves, while still more can have dark plum-purple autumn tints.

Established specimens have a rich glossy-brown bark which gives winter interest once the leaves have fallen. Although perfectly hardy, we find Prunus sargentii is best planted in a position with some shelter from the wind, so the colourful autumn leaves are not blown from the tree to early in October.

A handsome plant with year round interest, this is an ideal tree for all but the smallest of gardens.

Further information about growing this ornamental cherry tree can be found on my website by clicking on the following link: Prunus sargentii