Prunus ‘Kursar’ (Flowering Cherry)

Perfect for small gardens, Prunus ‘Kursar’ is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit boasting clusters of vivid, deep-pink saucer-shaped flowers, 1 in. across (2cm), in early spring. Born in profusion along the bare branches, they give a splash of intense color and provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the foliage emerges. Coppery-bronze at first, the ovate leaves turn dark green and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant orange in fall. Bred by Captain Collingwood Ingram, who named it ‘Kursar’ as he thought it was a cross of Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis and Prunus sargentii, thus kur-sar. But later, he discovered that it wasn’t Prunus sargentii but Prunus campanulata. Too late to change the name! This small Japanese cherry with 2 seasons of interest makes a fine specimen for a lawn and is ideal for gardens with limited space.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Typically grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (3-5 m).
• Performs best in full sun in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils.
• Perfect choice as single specimen plants, mixed borders, lawns, and containers.
• Prune in midsummer if silver leaf is a problem
• Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
• Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.