Prunus cerasifera Złoty Obłok - Cherry Plum

The Prunus cerasifera 'Złoty Obłok' is a rare variety of myrobalan plum in cultivation, prized for its yellow foliage that remains bright until autumn. Its early and abundant spring flowering, with small white flowers, is perfectly highlighted by dark branches carrying young lemon-yellow leaves. The summer foliage, slightly greener, pleasantly contrasts with small edible dark red fruits. This small tree has a rounded habit and light branches, forming bright spots that break the monotony in the garden. It can be planted as a standalone tree, in a free hedge, or at the back of a flower bed.

Prunus cerasifera, sometimes called flowering plum, is native to Asia Minor and the Caucasus but has naturalised in gardens and parks throughout Europe. Like apricot and plum trees, it belongs to the large Rosaceae family. It is a vigorous and robust tree often used as a rootstock for many varieties of plum or cherry trees. This wild species has given rise to a multitude of ornamental cultivars.
The 'Złoty Obłok' variety (also known as 'Golden Cloud') is a deciduous tree with moderate development and relatively slow growth, reaching an average height of 7.50 m and a width of 5 m. It has one or several covered trunks and a wide, open, and spreading crown. Flowering occurs in March-April, earlier or later, depending on the region. The single flowers, hanging from short peduncles, are white cups with a centre occupied by a heart and numerous golden stamens. They open into corollas with five petals, 2.5 cm in diameter. The slightly fragrant and nectariferous flowers are followed by the formation of tiny, round, dark red fruits that are sought after by birds. The deciduous foliage consists of alternate, broadly ovate, elliptical leaves, 2 to 7 cm long, with toothed margins. When the buds burst, they are lemon yellow. Then, the lamina gradually turns anise green until summer. These leaves have tiny hairs under the veins. In autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow before falling. It is perfectly hardy and can be grown in many regions but dislikes compact and clayey soils or dry conditions.

With its ample and graceful silhouette, flexible branches, light foliage, and early flowering, this flowering plum has many advantages. It is undemanding and requires very little maintenance. It is suitable for medium-sized or extensive gardens, where it can be showcased in the centre of a perennial flower bed with blooms from spring to summer. It can also be integrated into a giant free hedge and paired with Prunus 'Pissardii' or 'Nigra, which creates a magnificent contrast. It can also be paired with other flowering cherries, ornamental apple trees, Chinese almond trees, hawthorns, or Japanese apricot trees (Prunus mume)... At its base, a carpet of blue hyacinths will be magnificent.

Sometimes acidic, its small fruits can be eaten as they are or used to make delicious jellies and jams.