Prunus sargentii (Sargent’s Cherry)

Charming in all seasons, Prunus sargentii (Sargent’s Cherry) is a small, deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. In spring, clusters of lovely, pink to deep pink, single flowers, 1.4 in. wide (4 cm), appear before the leaves unfold. They are followed by a profusion of sour purple-black cherries, which ripen in early summer and attract hungry birds. Reddish-tinged as they emerge in spring, the serrate, ovate leaves mature to glossy dark green in summer, forming a dense canopy casting shade below. In fall, they turn various shades of orange, bronze, and red before dropping. Sargent’s Cherry sports a lustrous, almost polished-looking, mahogany-colored bark with prominent horizontal lenticels (bumpy lines). A graceful ornamental tree with an upright-spreading to rounded habit, which exhibits greater staying power than most Prunus.

• Typically reaches 20-30 ft. in height and spread(6-9 m).
• Performs best in full sun in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Foliage may scorch in full sun in hot summer conditions. Quite tolerant of drought and clay soil once established.
• Perfect choice for single specimen plants, mass plantings, and lawns.
• Prune as needed after flowering.
• Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.
• Native to Japan and Korea.