About
Prunus rufa, the Himalayan cherry, is a small, round-headed tree with glossy, peeling, dark red-brown bark. Small, solitary or paired, white, hanging flowers are produced with the leaves in late spring, followed by dark-red, oval fruit. Grown primarily for its beautiful, peeling, coppery bark � a rewarding and ornamental multi-season tree for a sunny garden.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toHimalaya to Tibet
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cherry blackfly and other aphids, apple leaf-mining moth and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa