Prunus Maackii Manchurian Cherry

Prunus Maackii or Manchurian Cherry
Prunus Maackii, also known as the Manchurian Cherry, is a tough, hardy low-maintenance ornamental cherry. Originally from Korea and introduced to the UK in 1878, this deciduous tree will reward you with spring blossoms, summer foliage and the winter interest of its striking bark. In spring, the medium green elliptic leaves emerge first, followed in May by racemes of small, fluffy fragrant white flowers, which attract bees to the garden, and are followed in late summer by small black cherries which can either be used to make jams and jellies, or left on the tree to attract birds to your garden. The leaves turn yellow in autumn and may drop early, leaving the shiny, peeling cinnamon-brown bark to provide considerable winter interest.

Height and Spread of Prunus Maackii
The Manchurian Cherry tree caan be consdiered a small tree and will grow to a height and spread of 4 metres in 20 years, maturing to a height of 10-15 metres and spread of 8-10 metres.

How Hardy Is Prunus Maackii?
The Manchurian Cherry tree is fully hardy throughout the UK and in even the most severe continental climates.

How to Use Prunus Maackii
Prunus Maackii makes an excellent low-maintenance specimen plant for gardens. If kept trimmed to size, it is a good specimen tree for a patio or courtyard, where its bark will add considerable winter interest in a limited space. In a small lawn, one Manchurian Cherry will be a striking focal point through all the seasons. It is tough enough to be used as a roadside screen. On a country property, it can be used either in an informal cottage garden or included in a wildlife or woodland garden, where bees will feed on the nectar in spring, and birds will enjoy the autumn cherries. Use it also to line an avenue or to punctuate a walkway. 

How to Care for Prunus Maackii
Plant Prunus Maackii in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position with a south, east or west-facing aspect, in any moist but well-drained soil with an acid to neutral pH. Tolerant of aerosol salt, the Manchurian Cherry can be used in coastal regions. As well, it tolerates pollution, so it can be used in even inner-city gardens. Little or no pruning is required to maintain the upright, pyramidal shape of the semi-open crown, but if necessary, prune in mid-summer to trim or remove branches, or to maintain a smaller size.

Hardy, low-maintenance, and with year-round interest, Prunus Maackii is an excellent choice for UK gardens! This a rare vigorous small tree with attractive golden brown flaking bark that is very striking in winter.