Tree comparisons

	Flowering cherry tree Prunus himalaica	Magnolia Black Beauty
	A flowering cherry, but grown primarily for the stunning copper striped bark.	Black Beauty features very dark purple tulip-shaped flowers with white centres, appearing on bare branches.
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Growing

	Flowering cherry tree Prunus himalaica	Magnolia Black Beauty
Gardening skill		Beginner
Attractive features	Attractive flowers Attractive bark	Attractive flowers
Growth habit	Columnar / Fastigiate	Upright-spreading / Vase
Height after 10 years	2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft	3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
Sunlight		Prefers full sun Some shade
Pruning	Light prune	Prune after flowering
Growth rate	Average	Slow
Site conditions		Sheltered site Free-draining site

	Flowering cherry tree Prunus himalaica	Magnolia Black Beauty
Flower colour	White	Purple
Flower form	Single flower (5-8 petals)	Single flower (5-8 petals)
Flowering month	April	April
Leaf colour	Green	Green
Leaf colour - autumn		Green
Leaf/Flower sequence		Flowers appear first
Bark	Copper / Purple
Country of origin		United States
Annual cycle	Deciduous	Deciduous