Prunus Sargentii Rancho Cherry

Prunus Sargentii Rancho or Sargent’s Cherry Rancho, is also called Upright Sargent’s Cherry. This smaller cultivar of Sargent’s Cherry has all of the most desirable characteristics of its parent in a smaller package, making it an ideal choice of cherry tree for smaller gardens!

Native to eastern Asia, Sargent’s Cherry has long been popular in UK gardens, and the cultivar Prunus sargentii Rancho was developed in the United States in the 1950’s, with a distinctive narrow, upright crown forming a vase shape. In March and April, the branches are covered with masses of single pink flowers up to 4 cm in width, followed by glossy red fruit in summer which will attract birds to your garden. The leaves unfurl when the trees are in blossom, starting a coppery brown and changing to green in summer, and ending the year with bright and orange hues in autumn. Once the leaves have fallen, the glossy coppery bark of Sargent’s Cherry Rancho adds winter interest to the garden. 

Fully hardy throughout the UK and continental Europe, Prunus Sargentii Rancho will grow to a mature height of 6 metres and spread of 4 metres in 20 years, and after 50 years may reach 14 metres while still maintaining the narrow crown. Little pruning is necessary to maintain its graceful vase shape. 

Plant Sargent’s Cherry Rancho in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position in any moist but well-drained soil. Once established, it can withstand periods of drought. Avoid very windy spots to preserve the spring blossom show as long as possible. Tolerant of salt and pollution, Prunus Sargentii Rancho will do equally well in coastal locations or city gardens, and being deer-resistant, makes an excellent tree for country properties as well.

Because of its narrow crown, Prunus Sargentii Rancho is the perfect cherry tree for small urban gardens, or along city streets where the spring blossom show, summer shade, autumn colours, and winter interest will be appreciated. On a country property, a row of Sargent’s Cherry Rancho on either side of an avenue would create a stunning picture when in full blossom! One specimen makes a great focal point in a lawn, or a clump on a larger property would be a highlight of the landscape! 

Prunus sargentii Rancho has the combined qualities of year-round interest, compact size, and low maintenance, making it a good choice deciduous tree for most gardens.