Prunus serrula - Tibetan Cherry

The Prunus serrula or Tibetan Cherry is primarily appreciated for its shiny caramel or mahogany-coloured bark that peels off in long strips and offers a surrealistic decoration in summer as well as in winter. Of medium size, it forms a small tree and bears delicate white flowers in spring, not to be confused with the Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata) whose flowering is more abundant.

Originating from western China, where it grows naturally, the Prunus serrula was listed by the French botanist Adrien Franchet in 1890 and introduced to Europe by the Englishman Edward Adrian Wilson in 1908.

It forms a small tree with a naturally rounded and dense habit. In its natural environment, it can reach a height and spread of 15m (49.2ft). In our gardens, it will measure 6m (19.7ft) in height and spread. Its deciduous foliage reveals pedunculate leaves during the month of April, slightly pendulous, flexible, with marked veins, elongated in shape, with a cuneate base (gradually rising base) and an acuminate tip. The colour of the Tibetan Cherry's leaves will evolve throughout the rest of the year, marking each season. During spring, its leaves will appear in a tender green colour, which will gradually evolve into a dark green before falling in autumn under warm yellow hues. During the month of April, with the first spring warmth, the Tibetan Cherry will be covered in a multitude of delicate flower clusters, formed by 5 white petals, surrounding golden and erect stamens. After flowering, inedible fruits of green and then black with red highlights will appear.

Of great quality throughout the year, it nevertheless is most appreciated in winter when it can display its magnificent mahogany-coloured bark providing a touch of colour during gloomy winters.

Easy to cultivate, the Prunus serrula is very hardy and can withstand frosts well beyond -20C° (-4°F). In its natural environment, it thrives in cool and relatively cold environments. Therefore, it enjoys sunny to semi-shady exposures, in cool climates, in moist, ordinary, and well-drained soils. It is often grown as a standard to accompany flowers, but it is also used as a solitary specimen, which highlights its decorative bark and colour. It can also be found in rose gardens, providing light shade to roses and other plants. It combines beautifully with hostas, brunneras, pieris, and euonymus in flower beds.