Prunus Kursar (Flowering Cherry)
Perfect for small gardens, Prunus 'Kursar' is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit boasting clusters of vivid, deep-pink saucer-shaped flowers, 1 in. across (2cm), in early spring. Born in profusion along the bare branches, they give a splash of intense color and provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the foliage emerges. Coppery-bronze at first, the ovate leaves turn dark green and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant orange in fall. Bred by Captain Collingwood Ingram, who named it 'Kursar' as he thought it was a cross of Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis and Prunus sargentii, thus kur-sar. But later he discovered that it wasn't Prunus sargentii but Prunus campanulata. Too late to change the name! This small Japanese cherry with 2 seasons of interest makes a fine specimen for a lawn and is ideal for gardens with limited space.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Typically grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (3-5 m).
- Performs best in full sun in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils.
- Perfect choice as single specimen plants, mixed borders, lawns, and containers.
- Prune in midsummer if silver leaf is a problem
- Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
- Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Prunus – Flowering Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early)Fall |
Height | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |