| Ornamental
Cherries
15
November 2007
Flowering
cherries are the harbingers of bright, sunny
days with blue skies overhead. Winter is over
and the chances of a late spring frost are receding.
Some species and cultivars are also part of
the winter scene, when on the dullest day, they
can single handedly add interest to the garden
with flower and bark.
 The
flowers of Prunus subhirtella autumnalis and
its cultivar could not be described as big,
bold or brightly coloured. They are without
fragrance and each flower is a disappointment.
All that changes when whole branches of the
tiny, semi-double, white flowers appear like
pin points of light against a leaden sky.
They appear intermittently from November to
late March and a mild spell of weather, even
for a couple of days, sends the right message
and another Milky Way of flowers appears.
The cultivar P.s. ‘Autumnalis Rosea’
is similar in every way but with blush pink
petals. The thin stems studded with open flowers
makes a delightful centre piece for the festive
table.
They are usually sold as standard trees with
6 ft clear stem and a head of branches. It will
have a mature height of 20-25 ft. If you get
the opportunity buy a bush tree with branches
from ground level or as a half standard with
a 3 ft bare trunk. That way the flowers are
at your level rather than above your head.
The mahogany barked cherry trees make their
display from the ground up. As it’s trunk
thickens and matures, the shining, golden brown
bark of the Manchurian cherry (Prunus maackii)
starts to peel and flake. On a wet day the bark
glistens and in the evening it reflects any
lights that are close by.
 More
commonly available in nurseries and garden centres
is Prunus serrula from China. The bark appears
to be polished and is a deep, mahogany brown
colour. I am prepared to bet a wheelbarrow of
farmyard manure that you too will automatically
start to peel off the loose bark revealing the
new shiny, smooth under layer. A mature tree
in winter is a magnificent sight with the attractive
bark displayed on all but the thinnest branches.
back
to John's index page
|
