Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’

Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’, commonly known as Columnar Sargent’s Cherry is a deciduous tree that is a cultivar of the Prunus sargentii species. It is highly valued for its columnar growth habit and beautiful autumn display which is more pronounced than the ordinary sargentii.

During the spring, Columnar Sargent’s Cherry puts on a breath-taking show with its profusion of clustered pink blossoms emerging along the branches of the tree. The single flowers show before the leaves, covering the tree in a blanket of delicate five petaled blooms. These are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making this tree ecologically valuable. Blossoms will give way to small, showy, fruits, dark purple-black in colour. Whilst these aren’t to be consumed by humans, they make a great food source for birds.

As the flowering phase comes to an end, the ‘Columnaris’ foliage emerges in a vibrant shade of red, transitioning to a forest green as the season progresses. The leaves are elliptical to oblong in shape and provide an attractive backdrop to the floral display. In autumn, leaves undergo a fantastic transformation turning shades of ruby and brick red, with hints of deep golds.

Overall, Prunus sargentii ‘Coumnaris’ is a superb ornamental tree, prized for its slender columnar form, abundance of pink blossoms and spring, and attractive autumn foliage.