Plant of the Month: Decmeber

Plant of the Month: Decmeber

Prunus serrula @ Harlow Carr

Our best barked example of Prunus serrula is situated as follows: When you come out of the entrance turn to your right before going down the steps. Go down the ramp and the tree is to your left just as you get to the end of the ramp.

Prunus

Prunus is the Latin name for plum or cherry. This genus of over 200 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees is widely distributed in northern temperate regions and south to the mountains of S E Asia and the Andes in South America. It is usually found in woodland and in some other habitats including cliffs and coastal sands.

They are grown mainly for their flowers and autumn colour, also sometimes for their interesting bark and fruit.

All Prunus have alternate, oval to oblong leaves, which are usually toothed. The flowers are white, pink or sometimes red, saucer-, bowl- or cup-shaped with five petals (more in double or semi-double cultivars). Spherical or ovoid fruits usually follow the flowers, some of which are edible. However, leaves and fruits of most species may cause discomfort if ingested.

They make excellent specimen trees and many are suitable for small gardens. Some species are suitable for hedging.

Prunus serrula

This species is a rounded, deciduous tree from western China, the main attraction of which is its beautiful, glossy, copper-brown, new bark, revealed after the old bark has peeled.

The dark green leaves, which turn yellow in autumn, are narrow, serrated, willow-like and up to 10cm (4in) long. The name serrula means with small, saw-like teeth.

The small, white, bowl-shaped, single flowers are produced at the same time as the leaves in late spring, followed by cherry- like fruit, 1cm (0.5in) long.

AGM The RHS Floral B Committee awarded Prunus serrula an Award of Garden Merit and described it as: Round-headed small deciduous tree, the trunk with shining coppery-brown young bark. Narrow leaves turn yellow in autumn. Flowers 2cm (0.75in) wide, white, in small clusters.

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun.

Minimal pruning is required in late winter or early spring, to maintain a healthy framework. However, if silver leaf is a problem, prune in midsummer.

Prunus is susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches.

Diseases include silver leaf, honey fungus, blossom wilt and Taphrina wiesneri which causes witches broom (abnormal crowding of shoots).

Propagation

Sow seed of species in containers outdoors in autumn.

Root greenwood cuttings in early summer.

Bud cultivars in summer or graft in early spring.