Prunus 'Royal Burgundy' (d) (Cherry)

Common name: Flowering Cherry 'Royal Burgundy'

Description: This spectacular ornamental cherry offers exceptional year-round interest with its distinctive deep purple foliage and profuse spring flowering. The leaves emerge in spring in rich burgundy-purple shades and maintain this dramatic dark colouration throughout the growing season, creating a bold statement in the garden. In mid-spring, before the leaves fully expand, the tree becomes covered in masses of semi-double flowers in deep rose-pink shades that create a stunning contrast against the emerging purple foliage. The flowers are produced in such abundance that they can almost completely cover the branches. The combination of dark foliage and pink blossom is particularly striking and unusual amongst flowering cherries. The tree develops an upright, vase-shaped habit that provides good structure, and the purple foliage creates excellent contrast when planted alongside green or silver-leaved companions. This is an outstanding choice for adding drama and sophistication to gardens, providing both spectacular spring blossom and colourful foliage interest throughout the growing season.

Other benefits: deep purple foliage all season, profuse pink spring blossom, dramatic colour contrast, upright habit, excellent for contrast planting, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 3m

Position: full sun essential for best foliage colour and flowering

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: moderate watering required; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -25°C