Prunus serrula

Discovered by the renowned plant explorer Ernest Wilson during his Chinese exhibition in the early 1900s, this remarkable Prunus has evolved into a year-round display of elegance. Its bark and mature branches boast a sleek, mahogany gloss, exhibiting deep tones of cinnamon complemented by shades of red cranberry. The bark gracefully peels in translucent sheets, radiating a luminous glow in the sunlight. these shedding papery strips unveil new bark beneath, featuring lighter tones reminiscent of marmalade and rich dazzled honey. The young lateral lenticels, resembling small fissures, evolve into horizontal features, encircling the trunk and branches as they mature. This creates a delightful textural contrast to the smooth glossy bark.

Designers often appreciate the stained glass effect that filters through the sheets of bark, while others chose to unveil the swirled tones beneath by removing the sheets. Wiping the trunk with nut oil enhances the glossy shine of the bark’s colours.

In spring, small white flowers make a subtle appearance, deliberately allowing the spotlight to remain on the captivating bark. The leaves, reminiscent of willow, are narrow and exhibit healthy shades of green, transitioning into a warm  yellow hue in the autumn.

This captivating specimen transforms any street location when planted as a standard clear stem tree with a raised canopy. It achieves its utmost splendour as a multi-stem tree on green verges and public open spaces. Consider planting a semi-mature multi-stem against a backdrop of standard clear stem Betula utilis jacquemontii for a stunning visual contrast. The white silhouette of the Betula will enhance the warm, glossy contours of the serrula, creating a harmonious and eye-catching combination.