Tree of the month: Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty'

Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty', is a cultivar of the Manchurian cherry and enchants many parks and gardens with its graceful loose shape and striking trunk. This small tree produces an abundance of delicate white flowers in spring. The glossy amber bark has a cinnamon/copper shade. It has a compact size with a wide growth habit, making it an ideal choice for parks or smaller gardens. Prunus 'Amber Beauty' displays the seasons very beautifully, finishing with a spectacular autumnal display.

The genus name "Prunus" is used to classify a wide variety of trees and shrubs within the rose family, Rosaceae. This family includes not only cherries, plums and peaches, which all bear fruit but also the evergreen Prunus lusitanica and the bird cherry Prunus padus. The word "Prunus" comes from Latin and is derived from the Greek word "prunos"), which referred to the plum tree and its fruit. Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty' is a deciduous tree native to Asia and native to Manchuria, Korea and adjacent parts of Russia. The plant came into culture via trade routes from St Petersburg around 1910.

Recognisable by flower and leaf

Prunuses are usually easy to recognise, mainly because of their distinctive lenticels. These are mostly light-coloured spots on the bark of the trees, oval or round in shape and visible to the naked eye as small graceful stripes. Also recognisable is the cherry-like fruit, with hard seed at its core. The flowers are striking and graceful, appearing in abundant clusters in early spring, forming a spectacular display. The flowers grow in clusters, giving them an attractive and striking appearance. With the white flower against a background of green foliage, they stand out even more. The flowers of Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty' have a pleasant scent that spreads in the environment. This makes them attractive to bees, hoverflies and other flower-visiting insects, contributing to biodiversity in the garden or landscape where the tree stands. Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty' is also valued for its distinctive, amber-coloured bark that flakes off and adds a decorative element. This is especially notable in the winter months, when the flowers and leaves are absent..

Application and use

Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty' is a relatively vigorous grower. Especially in its early years, growth can be considerable, but it slows down as the tree matures and reaches a height of up to 12 metres. The growth form is upright, egg-shaped but as the tree ages, the branches spread out and the crown takes on a wider, rounded shape. Taking all the characteristics together, this cherry is an ornamental and easy-to-apply plant. Because Prunus maackii 'Amber Beauty' is not fussy about its location and requires little maintenance, the plant is very suitable for various uses. However, the tree does not want compacted soil and if the site is wet, drainage should be good. The tree can be planted solitary for a striking effect, or in groups for a more natural look.