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Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry)

Tibetan Cherry, Birch-Bark Tree, Ornamental Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Cellophane Bark Cherry, Redbark Cherry, Prunus serrula var. tibetica, Prunus tibetica

Prunus serrula, Tibetan Cherry, Birch-Bark Tree, Ornamental Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Cellophane Bark Cherry, Redbark Cherry, Prunus serrula var. tibetica, Prunus tibetica, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Red Bark
Prunus serrula, Tibetan Cherry, Birch-Bark Tree, Ornamental Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Cellophane Bark Cherry, Redbark Cherry, Prunus serrula var. tibetica, Prunus tibetica, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Red Bark

Noted for its multiseason interest and spectacular mahogany bark, Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry) features a most attractive, high-gloss, coppery-brown bark, heavily banded with large, dull lenticels (bumpy lines). Shining like silk, the bark adds a welcomed splash of color to the winter garden. This round-headed small deciduous tree sports an airy canopy of narrow, willow-like, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall before shedding for the winter. As the foliage emerges in spring, an abundance of tiny white flowers appear in small clusters before giving way to red berries in fall. Slow-growing, Prunus serrula is best grown as a specimen on a large lawn, where its glowing peeling bark can be admired in winter.

  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m).
  • This plant is easily grown in full sun to part shade in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. This cherry tree tolerates all soils and situations, making it a great candidate for many gardens.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, and foundation plantings.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. Prune as needed after flowering.
  • May be affected by various insects and diseases such as cankers, leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot and fireblight, aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.
  • Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.
  • Native to Western China and Tibet

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Common names Tibetan Cherry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Birds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Prunus mume (Plum Blossom)
Prunus x cistena (Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry)
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry)
Prunus serotina (Black Cherry)
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Cherry Laurel)
Prunus americana (American Plum)

Recommended Companion Plants

Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
Galanthus elwesii (Greater Snowdrop)
Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ (Cyclamineus Daffodil)
Tulipa ‘China Pink’ (Lily-Flowered Tulip)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Common names Tibetan Cherry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Birds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus (Cherry Tree)
Not sure which Prunus (Cherry Tree) to pick?
Compare Now

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