Charming in all seasons, Prunus sargentii (Sargent’s Cherry) is a small, deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. In spring, clusters of lovely, pink to deep pink, single flowers, 1.4 in. wide (4 cm), appear before the leaves unfold. They are followed by a profusion of sour purple-black cherries, which ripen in early summer and attract hungry birds.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Prunus sargentii, commonly known as Sargent’s cherry or North Japanese hill cherry, is a species of cherry native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin (Russia).
The tree was named for Charles Sprague Sargent.
Prunus sargentii is a deciduous tree that grows 20–40 ft (6.1–12.2 m) tall and broad. New growth is a reddish or bronze color, changing to shiny dark green. The obovate leaves with serrated margins are 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) in length and are arranged alternately. In fall, the leaves turn red, orange, or yellow. It grows single pink flowers on 1-in pedicels, which result in purple-black fruit in summer. The fruits are a favorite of birds, but because of their size (small, pea sized) and color, are considered inconspicuous to humans.
P. sargentii is a fast-growing ornamental tree requiring sun and well-drained soil. The tree can tolerate wind, but not air pollution; it is one of the hardiest cherries, and can be easily transplanted. This makes it suitable for use as a street tree. The tree is moderately drought-tolerant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sargent’s cherry is a robust, deciduous tree favored for its aesthetic appeal and simple maintenance. Key care points include ensuring it is planted in well-draining soil with access to full sun, which aids in its vibrant foliage and blossom production. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, but it is resilient to a range of soil types and urban pollution, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
Sunlight
Sargent’s cherry likes sunshine. As a fruit tree, ample sunlight for photosynthesis is necessary for its growth and to provide sufficient nutrition to develop fruit. It should be planted in a spot that ensures it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight, and ideally no less than 8 hours of sunlight.
Temperature
Sargent’s cherry is fairly good at surviving in low temperatures. The temperature it can tolerate ranges from -22 ℃ to 42 ℃. It is also not very picky when it comes to water. It does not need a lot of water and is resistant to both drought and flood.
Watering
Originating from cool regions, Sargent’s cherry thrives with moderate moisture and displays a robust tolerance to brief dry spells. This species is accustomed to the well-drained soils of its native habitat, requiring consistent but not excessive watering. Following its natural rhythm, sargent’s cherry should be watered once every two weeks. As a deciduous tree, sargent’s cherry requires less water during its dormancy period in winter, aligning with the reduced daylight hours and cooler temperatures that slow down metabolic activities.
Soil
When planting sargent’s cherry, you should select a sandy loam soil or loam that is thick, rich in organic matter, and with a slight to medium alkaline pH of 7-8.5. Avoid planting it in a place where salt and alkalis are concentrated. Additionally, make sure that the soil is moist but drains well. It is best not to grow sargent’s cherry in clay soil.
Fertilizing
For sargent’s cherry, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) annually in early spring to stimulate robust growth and radiant blossoms. Optimal application involves lightly incorporating fertilizer into the soil around the drip line, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. Use approximately 2 ounces per inch of trunk diameter. During active growth, fertilization may increase to quarterly, but reduce frequency as dormancy approaches. Over-fertilization can lead to foliage burn or excessive growth at the expense of flowering, so precision is key. Maintain even moisture post-application to aid nutrient absorption and prevent root damage.
Planting Instructions
You can purchase sargent’s cherry saplings in garden centers. Pay attention to two things before planting. First, choose an area of the garden that has a lower altitude to plant your sargent’s cherry. This will help it to acquire enough water because its roots are shallow. Additionally, apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting it, mostly organic fertilizer. Once planted, remember to water it soon after, until the water on the surface of the soil stops draining away. When this happens you have provided sufficient water.
We generally do not sow seeds to propagate sargent’s cherry because the seeds need to undergo post-ripening effects. This means that the seeds are not yet mature when they are harvested. It is only after a period of special treatment that the seeds can complete their biochemical processes and reach the condition of being mature seeds that are able to germinate.
Pruning
Sargent’s cherry sprouts on branches that have strong budding capabilities. However, the branches can easily become overcrowded and need frequent pruning to maintain the shape, air circulation, and light exposure within the tree. This also helps to prevent pests and diseases while at the same time helping the leaves receive more sunlight.
Sargent’s cherry can generate a large amount of fruit without any artificial pollination. Because sargent’s cherry can produce a large number of flowers with a high yield of fruit, to maintain its growth and the quality of fruit, it is recommended that some flowers and fruit be removed to concentrate the nutrients for the remaining fruit. As a result, there will not be a large amount of fruit, but those left will be of higher quality and have an improved flavor.
Propagation
Sargent’s cherry is effectively propagated via cuttings. For successful propagation, select healthy semi-hardwood stems from a mature tree and make a clean cut. Utilize rooting hormone to enhance root development, and plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix. Consistent moisture and warmth are crucial, so maintain an ambient environment and regularly water without over-saturating the soil. With proper care, roots should establish, leading to robust growth.
Transplanting
Transplant sargent’s cherry ideally in the late spring, capitalizing on moderate climates before summer’s full force. Choose a site with well-drained soil and some wind shelter. Gentle handling of root systems maximizes post-transplant thrive.
III. Uses and Benefits
Sargent’s cherry is perfect choice for single specimen plants, mass plantings, and lawns.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
The fruits of sargent’s cherry usually ripen in the early fall and can be picked for eating. If the fruit needs to be stored or transported a long distance, it is better to harvest the fruit before it softens, such as during the late summer or early fall. Note that fruit should be handled gently and, ideally, and the twig should remain on the fruit.
