Tibetan cherry

Prunus serrula

Small ornamental cherry with polished mahogany-coloured bark that flakes in horizontal bands to reveal coppery new bark beneath. Grown almost entirely for the bark — the small white spring flowers are a minor feature.

Hardiness ratings

Tibetan cherry hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 5–8 −28.9 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 5–7 −23 °C to −7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–5 −10 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Polished mahogany bark with horizontal flaking — among the most striking ornamental barks of any temperate tree, the principal feature in winter
  • Strip dust and grime from the bark with a soft cloth in winter to maximise the polished sheen
  • Small white spring flowers are pleasant but the species is planted overwhelmingly for the bark
  • Eventually a small tree to 8 m

Pet caution: Tibetan cherry is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Tibetan cherry against your zones

Reference

Tibetan cherry on Wikipedia