Anyone who has a Kurile cherry is supplied with plenty of color and can forget the dreary winter time as early as March. Its numerous flowers are first pink then white. The following foliage develops a lush green, then shines a striking orange-red in autumn. Thanks to its compact size, this flowering cherry also fits in small front gardens. It is satisfied with little care and thus thrives almost on the side.
Tip: The Kuril cherry is well suited for a Japanese garden due to its growth.
The leaf-free period from autumn is the ideal planting time for deciduous trees, including the Kuril cherry.
Kurile cherry grows very slowly and branches very nicely. A cut is not required but can be made if necessary.
Growth and flowering
The Kuril cherry, bot. Prunus kurilensis is a small ornamental wood that was originally native to Asia. It grows to about two meters high and just as wide. Thanks to the strong branching, this type of cherry resembles a shrub plant. From April the tree blooms with numerous white to purple flowers, from which small red cherries later develop. These are edible, but not particularly tasty for us humans. However, the birds love these red fruits. Popular varieties are 'Brillant' and 'Ruby'.Tip: The Kuril cherry is well suited for a Japanese garden due to its growth.
Location
Prunus kurilensis has certain requirements with regard to the ideal location, with minor deviations from it being tolerated.- needs a lot of heat and light
- it grows optimally in a sunny spot
- then abundant flowers are formed
- it also thrives well in a partially shaded location
- it lacks warmth and light in purely shady places
floor
The dwarf cherry does not like waterlogging. A heavy soil that does not allow water to seep away is not suitable for them. Fortunately, this can be easily loosened with gravel or sand, so that it can still offer the cherry optimal conditions.- sandy, well-drained soil
- neutral pH
- Well-loosened soil facilitates root growth
- enrich poor soil with some compost
Planting time
The leaf-free period from autumn is the ideal planting time for deciduous trees, including the Kuril cherry. - plant in the months of October to March
- Autumn and spring usually offer optimal temperatures
- in winter it can be too cold to plant
- The soil must be frost-free
Planting out
Planting a Kurile cherry in the garden is carried out as follows:1. Water the little tree well by placing it in the water for about 30 minutes.
2. In the meantime, dig out the planting hole. It should be at least twice as large as the ball of the pot.
3. Take the sapling out of the container and place it in the prepared planting hole.
4. Hold the Kuril cherry straight and fill the gap with good potting soil.
5. Just lightly step on the earth.
6. Water the cherry well.
7. Water the young ornamental wood with rain in the first year, as the roots will still take time. Particularly if the planting was carried out in a warm weather period, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient water supply.
Tip: Instead of potting soil, the excavated garden soil can also be used. Since the tree needs a lot of nutrients at the beginning, it should be enriched with compost or fertilizer beforehand.Tub planting
Since this beautiful wood remains relatively small even when fully grown, it is ideal for planting large containers. If necessary, the compact shape can also be kept smaller through targeted cutting measures. However, keeping them in a bucket requires a little more care:- needs to be poured more often
- regular fertilization necessary
- repot after three years
- alternatively, taper the root ball
- possibly. provide winter quarters
Fertilize
Trees inherently have a good supply of nutrients. If they are given too much artificial fertilizer, they can quickly become unbalanced.- Compost when planting out
- otherwise fertilize very sparingly
- a little phosphorus fertilizer before the flowering period promotes flowering
to water
The Kurilenkirsche is watered depending on the weather and is based on the actual water requirement.- > watering required on warm and dry days
- > Top up when the top layer of soil is dry
- > young trees and potted plants have to be watered more often
Cut
Kurile cherry grows very slowly and branches very nicely. A cut is not required but can be made if necessary.- only cut from the third year of standing
- spring before new shoots are ideal
- Only thin out solitary plants carefully
- Shorten branches that are too long after flowering
Propagation of cuttings
The dwarf cherry can in principle be propagated from cuttings. However, this method requires a lot of luck. Laypeople rarely succeed in this type of propagation and is therefore not recommended. If you still want to try it, you should note the following:- Autumn is the right time
- Use sand substrate
- Choose shoots with at least two eyes
- Put the pot with the cuttings in the shade
- keep moist continuously
Diseases and pests
A well-cared for Kurile cherry is safe from pests. Every now and then the Prunus can be afflicted by the monilla mushroom. The fruits rot and show brownish spots. The usual cutting measures do not bring any improvement here. The fungal disease can only be fought permanently with fungicides.Overwinter
Prunus kurilensis copes well with the winter cold. It survives down to -35 degrees without damage.- no special protective measures required in the field
- Container plants should overwinter in a cold but frost-free room
- Alternatively: wrap the pot with protective fleece
