Upright Sargent’s Cherry Rancho

A tough, narrow, deciduous, clear-stemmed small tree, later columnar, with a vase-shaped crown, Prunus sargentii Rancho, is remarkably narrow, so is ideal for smaller gardens. The bark is brown. It has oblong leaves which emerge bronzed, later turning emerald-green, and turning orange-red in autumn. The small, single, scented, creamy-pink flowers appear in April. These are followed by purple fruits the size of an elderberry, which will see the birds through the winter. Stake Upright Sargent’s cherry Rancho for a few years (except for multi-stemmed varieties) to ensure that the roots aren’t damaged. Water well during the first spring and summer. Good as a street tree or in avenues.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained soil; will not tolerate waterlogged soils and thin chalky soils
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  20’ (6m) Spread: 13' (4m) in 20 years