Prunus rufa
Himalayan cherry
P. rufa is a small, round-headed tree with glossy, peeling, dark red-brown bark. Small, solitary or paired, hanging flowers are produced with the leaves in late spring, followed by dark red, oval fruit up to 10mm across
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Red | White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Red | Green | Red | |
| Winter | Brown Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya to Tibet
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
Pests
May be susceptible to cherry blackfly and other aphids, apple leaf-mining moth and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Get involved
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