Prunus serrulata Pink Perfection - Japanese Cherry

The Prunus serrulata 'Pink Perfection' is one of the most floriferous varieties of Japanese flowering cherry trees, blooming in May with a profusion of pendulous clusters of double flowers, almost red in bud, bright pink when fully open! Its ornamental foliage unfurls bronze, gradually turning dark green before taking on flamboyant shades of red and orange in autumn. It forms a lovely small spreading to spreading habit tree, hardy and easy to grow even in small gardens. It prefers full sun and enjoys moist, rich, and well-drained soil. Protect it from cold winds that can compromise its delicate flowering.

The Prunus serrulata, belonging to the large family of Rosaceae, is a small tree with a dense crown and fine bark, originating from Asia, more precisely from Japan, Korea, and China. It is also known as Japanese Cherry, Hill Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, or Oriental Cherry.

The Japanese cultivar 'Pink Perfection' is an exceptionally floriferous variety that has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Of medium growth, this tree will reach between 5 m (16 ft 5 in) in height and 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in spread. The flowering takes place in May depending on the region, usually before the foliage appears, sometimes at the same time as the young leaves tinged with coppery bronze. Its numerous almost red buds open into large double flowers, measuring from 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) in diameter, in a vibrant pink color along the branches. Gathered in small clusters of 3-5, they are followed by elliptical deciduous leaves, 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.7 in) long. After flowering, the branches develop elliptical deciduous leaves with serrated margins, measuring 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in) long. They are dark green in summer, turning red and brilliant orange in autumn.

This small tree with a strong personality will undoubtedly find its place as a standalone specimen or, at most, at the back of a border, positioned behind perennials or small shrubs with staggered flowering. Its base can be adorned by planting, for example, Silver Basket, a small creeping clematis Clematis diversifolia Rooguchi or forget-me-nots, discreet and charming, that will not overshadow its splendor. One could also consider planting a small pink clematis to brighten up its foliage in summer (Clematis 'Little Mermaid', 'Success Cady', 'Josephine').