This tree is one of the easiest to grow and therefore widely planted. Its striking dark red leaves, with contrasting green, young shoot and its fragrant white flowers make it a graceful plant. It is a deciduous tree that stands out throughout the growing season with its deep wine-red leaf colour. With its dense canopy, it offers year-round privacy.
Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’ belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) a plant family that excels in tough, hardy, fruit-bearing plants with mostly shrubby small trees. P. virginiana reaches a maximum height of five to seven metres and an almost similar width in an upright growth habit with a round oval canopy. The tree's most striking feature is its red leaves. The old leaves are wine-red but the young shoot is bright green, giving a nice contrast. Later in the season, the whole tree turns deep red.
Graceful in blossom and fruit
In late May, Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’ produces clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by small, sour cherries by summer. The flowers are not only beautiful, but also attract pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies that love the nectar and pollen, adding to the tree's ecological value. After flowering, the tree develops small, dark red to black cherries that are quite sour and mainly popular with birds.
Pruning makes it grow
Due to its small size, pruning is usually not necessary as the tree naturally stays in good shape. With its soft wood and smooth growth, the plant is easy to prune, should it grow too big for the chosen location. It may then be necessary to thin out the crown slightly by removing balanced branches all around. Avoid cutting back thick branches too deeply, as the tree will produce a lot of branches and waterlog in response, which will not help its shape. Also, the constricted thick branches can be susceptible to fungi.
Application and use
The tree is not fussy in location. Given its red leaf colour, the species looks best in a sunny location. Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’ is therefore very versatile in its uses. Its medium size and heat resistance make this tree an excellent choice for (urban) gardens, parks and petrified public spaces. Its loose growth form gives the species an informal character. The tree can be used as a solitary plant, in groups or as part of groves. Its colourful red-veined leaves and seasonal colours make it a striking, widely applicable tree.
