Overview
Prunus nipponica is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 5 metres tall. Prunus nipponica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Prunus nipponica, also called Japanese alpine cherry (高嶺桜, Takanezakura) or Kurile cherry, is a shrub which originates from the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu, Japan. It grows to a height of about 5 meters (16 ft) and can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. This species is one of the hardiest of cherry trees, well-suited to cold climates. The flowers are a very light pink or even white in color. It is native to Japan, Kuril Is., Sakhalin and NO. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus nipponica
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Prunus nipponica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 5 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus nipponica
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus nipponica?
Prunus nipponica prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus nipponica need?
Prunus nipponica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Prunus nipponica grow?
Prunus nipponica reaches a height of 5 metres.
Is Prunus nipponica hardy in the UK?
Prunus nipponica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Prunus nipponica?
Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.
