Tree comparisons
 Plena |  Kursar | Cercis Merlot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A form of the native English wild cherry, featuring which has double white flowers rather than single flowers. | A small ornamental early-flowing cherry tree, with profuse blossom. | Merlot is an upright spreading Cercis with purple blossom followed by wine-red leaves which turn green over the summer. | |
| remove | remove | remove |
Growing
| Flowering cherry tree Plena | Flowering cherry tree Kursar | Cercis Merlot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardening skill | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Awards | RHS AGM (current) | RHS AGM (former) RHS AM | |
| Attractive features | Attractive flowers Attractive tree / plant | Attractive flowers | Attractive flowers Attractive foliage Autumn foliage colour Variegated foliage Summer foliage colour |
| Growth habit | Upright | Upright-spreading / Vase | |
| Height after 10 years | 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft | 2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft | 2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft |
| Sunlight | Prefers full sun Tolerates shade | ||
| Pruning | Light prune | Do not prune | |
| Growth rate | Fast | Average | |
| Site conditions | Free-draining site Occasional drought | ||
| Wildlife | Attractive to birds RHS Plants for Pollinators |
Identification
| Flowering cherry tree Plena | Flowering cherry tree Kursar | Cercis Merlot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower colour | White | Pink | |
| Flower form | Double flower (25-50 petals) | Single flower (5-8 petals) | Single flower (5-8 petals) |
| Flowering month | May | March | May |
| Leaf colour | Green | Bronze | Green |
| Leaf colour - autumn | Yellow / Crimson | Orange / Gold | |
| Leaf/Flower sequence | Leaves appear first | Flowers appear first | |
| Fruit colour | Red - dark | ||
| Fruit size | Very small | ||
| Country of origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | |
| Annual cycle | Deciduous | Deciduous | Deciduous |