Prunus ‘Matsumae’ (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 12m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Prunus ‘Matsumae’ is a deciduous tree with an upright habit. Its dark green leaves are elliptic with serrate margins. Its leaves turn orange/ red before they fall in autumn. Its pale pink flowers are up to 4cm across and appear at the same time as its leaves.
Prunus ‘Matsumae’ Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Prunus ‘Matsumae’, commonly known as Matsumae Cherry, is native to Japan.
The etymological root of the binomial name Prunus is from the classical name of the Plum tree. Matsumae is named after the Matsumae peninsula, Japanese.
The landscape architect may find Prunus ‘Matsumae’ useful as an attractive spring flowering small tree. This tree is tolerant of urban pollution.
Ecologically, Prunus ‘Matsumae’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Prunus ‘Matsumae’ Bark (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Prunus ‘Matsumae’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Prunus ‘Matsumae’ requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out after flowering, from April to July to minimise the risk of Silver leaf infection.
