Maintenance Landscaping Design

Prunus sargentii is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be about 20 meters tall. The leaves of the tree are oblong and the flowers are white. The tree blooms in the springtime.

Alternative name

• Sargent's cherry
  
• Mountain mahogany
  
• Cascara
  
• Buckthorn
  
• Alder

Basic info

• Prunus sargentii, also known as the Sargent cherry, is a species of cherry native to Japan and Korea.
  
• It is a deciduous tree growing to 15–20 m tall and wide.
  
• The leaves are oval, 5–12 cm long and 3–6 cm wide, with a serrated margin.
  
• The flowers are white, 5–8 mm diameter, with five petals.
  
• The fruit is a dark red drupe 6–8 mm diameter.
  
• The tree blooms in early spring before the leaves emerge.
  
• The fruit ripens in late summer or early fall.
  
• Prunus sargentii is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
  
• It is also used as a rootstock for grafting other cherry species.
  
• The wood is used in the manufacture of furniture and musical instruments.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Planting Process

1. For prunus sargentii, first step is to choose the right tree. Make sure to pick a tree that is young and has a strong root system.
   
2. The second step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and gets full sun.
   
3. The third step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree’s root ball.
   
4. The fourth step is to remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots around the edges of the root ball.
   
5. The fifth step is to place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down as you go.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the tree deeply.
   
7. The seventh step is to mulch around the base of the tree, being sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk.
   
8. The eighth step is to fertilize the tree once a year in the spring.
   
9. The ninth step is to prune the tree regularly to promote growth.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful prunus sargentii!

Related plant:
Prunus Amanogawa

Soil Condition

About soil condition, prunus sargentii (soil condition) is best in a well-drained soil, and tolerates a range of pH levels. It's tolerant of urban pollution and poor soil conditions, making it a good choice for city gardens. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

Light condition

Like the other members of the Prunus genus, the Sargent cherry tree requires full sun in order to produce the greatest number of fruits. It is possible to grow the tree in partial shade, but it will produce fewer cherries. The tree also needs well-drained soil in order to thrive.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition is optimal for the growth of Prunus sargentii between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Above 20 degrees Celsius, the growth of Prunus sargentii decreases and the plant becomes more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. Prunus sargentii will however tolerate a range from 40-60%. Higher humidity in the air will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi which can lead to disease.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with organic matter or a slow-release fertilizer. It's essential to fertilize regularly to maintain healthy growth. When it comes to watering, the tree does best with a deep watering about once a week. The roots of this tree are known to be quite aggressive, so be sure to plant it in an area where it won't damage sidewalks or foundations.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for the Sargent cherry (Prunus sargentii). This deciduous tree is known for its fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring, as well as its tasty, red fruit. The Sargent cherry is a fast-growing tree, so regular pruning is necessary to keep it in shape and to prevent it from becoming too large. Pruning also encourages the tree to produce more flowers and fruit.

The Propagation

Propagation of the Sargent cherry is typically done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and taken from a healthy, disease-free plant. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a humid environment until roots have developed and new growth appears. Once the plant is established, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate between 1.5 to 2.0 m (5 to 6 ft) per year, but they can reach up to 3 m (10 ft) in some cases. The leaves are alternately arranged, 7–25 cm (3–10 in) long and 3.5–8.5 cm (1.4–3.3 in) wide, with a deeply serrated margin. The flowers are 5–9 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, with five white petals and 25-40 stamens. The fruit is a dark purple drupe 5–7 cm (2–3 in) in diameter.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, powdery mildew, dieback, and root rot. Canker is a disease that affects the bark of the tree and can eventually kill it. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that covers the leaves of the tree in a white powder. Dieback is a disease that causes the tree to slowly die from the tips of the branches inward. Root rot is a disease that affects the roots of the tree and can eventually kill it.

Growing Tips

• If you live in an area with a cold winter, it is best to plant Prunus sargentii in the spring.
  
• Choose a sunny location for your plant.
  
• Prunus sargentii prefers well-drained soil.
  
• Water your plant regularly.
  
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  
• Prune your plant as needed to keep it looking its best.
  
• Be sure to protect your plant from pests and diseases.
  
• Harvest the fruit in the fall when it is ripe.
  
• Store the fruit in a cool, dry place.
  
• Enjoy your Prunus sargentii plant!

Substitution

• Prunus salicina 'Methley' (Methley Plum)
  
• Prunus salicina 'Morris' (Morris Egg Plum)
  
• Prunus salicina 'Ogden's Improved' (Ogden's Improved Japanese Plum)
  
• Prunus salicina 'Okame' (Okame Plum)
  
• Prunus salicina 'Shiro' (Japanese White Plum)
  
• Prunus saligna (Willowleaf Cherry)
  
• Prunus saligna 'Stormy Seas' (Stormy Seas Cherry)
  
• Prunus saligna 'Thundercloud' (Thundercloud Plum)
  
• Prunus saligna 'White Gold' (White Gold Plum)
  
• Prunus saligna 'Yellowtail' (Yellowtail Plum)

Source:
Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii)-Hort Answers - University of …
Species: Prunus sargentii - Cornell University
Prunus sargentii habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …