Tibetan Cherry

prunus serrula

Also known as: ["Bark Cherry","Tibetan Paperbark Cherry"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous tree known for its striking, polished, coppery-red bark that peels in thin sheets, providing year-round ornamental interest.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus serrula

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-12–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; suitable for container or garden planting.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sunlight; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid placing near heat sources.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until drainage occurs; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cold winters but requires protection from extreme heat.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or layering; hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring are most successful.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth.

Medium

Well-draining rooting medium such as perlite and peat moss mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous growth; focus on structural improvement.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris; apply wound sealant if needed.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant carefully; trim roots if necessary; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water thoroughly; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without wetting the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch, wilting, bud drop, or delayed flowering in extreme heat; leaf discoloration or dieback in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, or damage to new buds; frost can injure or kill tender tissues.

Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect with burlap or frost cloth in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy areas.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; heat stress may cause premature leaf drop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat waves.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late autumn or winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus serrula may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Prunus serrula can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Prunus serrula may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can occur in Prunus serrula due to excessive moisture, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cyanogenic glycosides present in the plant can lead to cyanide poisoning in cats, causing severe physiological distress and potentially fatal consequences.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing lethargy tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. Seek veterinary care without delay if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The cyanogenic glycosides in the plant can cause cyanide poisoning in dogs, leading to serious health issues and potentially fatal outcomes.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing tremors collapse seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to severe physiological effects including respiratory distress and potential fatality.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing dizziness weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep away from children and do not consume any part of the plant. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prunus serrula suitable for small gardens?

A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, but it is best suited for medium to large gardens due to its eventual size.

Q: Does the bark of Prunus serrula peel off completely?

A: No, the bark peels in thin sheets, revealing a fresh, polished surface underneath, but it does not completely shed like a snake.

Q: Are the fruits of Prunus serrula edible?

A: The fruits are small and not typically consumed, though they are not highly toxic.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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