Prunus sargentii | Sargents Cherry

Native to Japan, Korea and Sakhalin, the Prunus sargentii, often described as the loveliest of all flowering Cherries, was introduced into the UK in the early 1900's. This tree is relatively fast-growing and has a broad, vase-shaped crown. The single, pink flowers appear in March and April before the obovate leaves. The Prunus sargentii leaves start life bronze-red before turning dark green and in autumn changing again to a magnificent display of red and orange leaves, some say are better than the Acer. Small, pea-sized purple, black and red berries appear in summer and are quickly eaten by birds. The Prunus sargentii is a small tree that grows in most well-drained soils and is happy in partial shade or full sun.

Mature Height

3-8m

Tree Features

Single, Pink flowers in March and April.

Obovate leaves that turn from bronzed-red to dark green to fiery red and orange.

Glossy, dark chestnut-brown bark.

Small, pea-sized fruits in summer.

Growing Conditions

Most well-drained soil, including clay and sand. Enjoys in full sun or partial shade.

Season of Interest

Spring - Early flush of single, pink flowers before bronze red leaves.

Winter - Magnificent display of red, yellow and orange leaves.

Tree Type

Standard, Multistem

Growing Locations

Gardens, Parklands, Street Planting, Wildlife Habitats

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

The Prunus sargentii was named after the American botanist Charles Sprague Sargent.