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Prunus serrula

Prunus serrula bark

Prunus serrula is often known as the Birch Bark Cherry on account of its distinctive glossy brown striated bark, which peels away to reveal lower layers underneath.

This gives the tree a uniquely attractive appearance year-round.

The small flowers are a plain white colour, usually blooming in April.

The green leaves turn yellow in the autumn.

Prunus serrula flowering cherry trees for sale

  • 11-year bare-root tree £33.95
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • 22-year pot-grown tree £54.95
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • 3Multi-stem pot-grown tree £65.95
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
    (multi-stem)
Pre-ordering
You can pre-order now for delivery from late August / early September 2021 for pot grown trees (or late November / early December for bare-root). You do not need to pay at this stage - just add items to the basket and checkout as usual.

How to grow

Prunus serrula is a medium-sized flowering cherry tree species, which can be grown in most situations.

History

Prunus serrula is also known as the Tibetan cherry, reflecting its origins in western China and central Asia.

Prunus serrula characteristics

  • AwardsRHS Award of Merit
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive bark
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • Growth rateFast
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnYellow
  • Country of originChina
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • Prunus serrula
    Branklyn
    One of the best forms of Prunus serrula, grown for its beautiful peeling brown bark.
  • See also Prunus himilaica
    Prunus himilaica
    Prunus himilaica
    A flowering cherry, but grown primarily for the stunning copper striped bark.
  • See also Prunus rufa
    Prunus rufa
    Prunus rufa
    This is the Himalayan cherry, notable for its attractive exfoliating bark, and hairy young shoots.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

Prunus Serrula

How to choose a flowering cherry tree

We list more than 70 different flowering cherry trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different characteristics of flowering cherries might help narrow down the selection.