Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

One of the most floriferous of flowering cherries, award-winning Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ is a small deciduous tree with gracefully ascending branches. In late spring, it boasts a profusion of bright, double pink flowers that hang in drooping clusters from the branches. Opening from red buds, the huge flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), turn pink as they open their 28-32 frilly petals. When young, the leaves are a delicate bronze color before turning green and then brilliant red and orange in the fall. A small Japanese cherry with 2 seasons of interest that 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 with a vase-shaped habit when young, with branches drooping at their tips. Can reach to 10-15 ft. tall (3-5 m) and 10-12 ft. wide (3-4 m).
• Performs best in full sun in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils.
• Perfect choice as single specimen plants, 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.