Prunus Schmittii Flowering Cherry

Prunus Schmittii more commonly known as Cherry Schmittii is grown predominately for is glossy, horizontally striped bark and pretty white blossom. This deciduous ornamental cherry is a hybrid cross between Prunus Avium and Prunus Canescens. It was introduced in 1923 and has flourished in the UK due to its native parentage.

Small, pretty pale pink blossom emerges in April and May as single, star-shaped blooms irregularly dotted along the branches. Each blossom has long pale yellow stamens that pollinators adore. As the blooms begin to fade, thick green foliage pushes through in ovate lengths of 5-8 cms with finely serrated edges. Summertime heralds small dark red fruits loved by birds, and in autumn the foliage holds on until frosts arrive turning a rich golden orange before falling in the early winter.

In winter the narrow vase-shaped crown provides height and interest in a bare garden, but it is the bark that gardeners. It is a dark mahogany brown, glossy with horizontal stripes – an unusual feature that stands out in a winter landscape. The trunk is so tactile it is difficult to resist touching.

Height and Width of Prunus Schmittii
The Schmittii Cherry will grow to a maximum height of 10-15 metres in optimum conditions. It is vigorous and fast-growing, but tends to keep a conical shape without a large spread. It will reach 4 metres across.  Both the height and width can be managed with pruning if you prefer a smaller tree. Our specimen Schmittii trees are already shaped as full standard clear stem trees.

How Hardy is Prunus Schmittii
This hybrid ornamental flowering cherry is fully hardy throughout Europe. It is tough and can withstand most conditions, including prolonged sub-zero temperatures. It can withstand drought and pollution-rich environments too.

How To Use Prunus Schmittii
The narrow spread of this hybrid ornamental cherry means it can be used in most garden settings. It grows to a respectable height, screening neighbours and overlooked areas, but keeps its width drawn in. It looks good in a wide border, as part of hedgerow, or as a stunning specimen tree in the centre of a garden. Prunus Schmittii can be kept short through pruning, or grown to a smaller height in a well watered container which will naturally restrict its growth.

How To Care for Prunus Schmittii
Little care is need for ornamental cherries, despite their delicate appearance. The distinctive horizontal stripes naturally appear on the glossy trunk as it matures, and foliage and fruits can be encouraged with plenty of organic mulch around the roots in early spring. Water young specimens well in dry spells and your Prunus Schmittii will grow tolerant of almost all conditions. All soils are suitable expect waterlogged conditions. You do not need to prune this ornamental flowering cherry, but tidy up broken, crossed or damaged stems in winter.

If you are looking for a quick-growing ornamental cherry tree Cherry Schmittii is beautiful all year round with its polished, decorative bark and pretty pale blossom. It is a good choice for wildlife gardens, narrow spaces and urban areas.