Prunus Spire is a slender, upright flowering cherry that offers plenty of seasonal interest without developing the broad canopy associated with many other ornamental cherries.
Prunus Spire’s relatively narrow growth habit makes it a particularly useful choice for smaller gardens or spaces where planting width is limited.
In April, Prunus Spire produces an attractive display of small, single soft pink flowers. Each bloom emerges from a contrasting red calyx and has a deeper reddish-pink centre, giving the flowers plenty of detail when viewed up close.
At around the same time as the blossom appears, the new leaves begin to unfurl. These have a pinkish-bronze colour when young, creating an attractive combination of blossom and fresh foliage across the branches. The leaves gradually mature to green as the season progresses, before developing warm shades in autumn.
When young, Prunus Spire has a distinctly columnar shape, with branches growing upwards to create a neat and compact crown. As the tree matures, the canopy gradually fans out, although it retains a relatively slender form compared with many other flowering cherries.
This tidy growth habit makes Prunus Spire a good specimen tree for a lawn, front garden or mixed border. It can provide useful height and structure without taking up an excessive amount of horizontal space.
For the best results, plant Prunus Spire in a sunny position with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it requires relatively little maintenance and can generally be left to develop its attractive natural shape.
If you are looking for a flowering cherry that combines a narrower form with delicate spring blossom and changing foliage colour, Prunus Spire is a practical and attractive choice.
Common Name: Flowering Cherry Tree
Latin Name: Prunus 'Spire'
Special features: Pinkish bronze leaves
