Anyone who wants to add a pretty splash of color to their garden in both spring and autumn is well advised to use the easy-care Kurile cherry.
The Kurile cherry (Prunus kurilensis) provides pretty splashes of color from March and awakens the desire for spring with its pink blossoms. The foliage inspires with its lush green and turns strikingly orange-red in autumn. The great thing is that the ornamental cherry grows compactly and therefore also fits into smaller gardens. In this article, we would like to tell you how to properly plant and care for the Kuril cherry.
Special features of the Kuril cherry
The Kuril cherry is an ornamental plant originally native to Asia, which can reach a height of about two meters and branches out profusely. The Kurile cherry is often reminiscent of a shrub. Small red cherries develop from the pretty pink-white flowers. These fruits are edible, but we humans consider them to be unpalatable. But the birds love the red fruits all the more.
Find the right location
The Kurile cherry needs a light and warm location. A location in full sun, for example, increases the willingness to bloom. But the plants usually also thrive in semi-shade without being disadvantaged.
Planting as a solitary plant is generally recommended. But the Kurile cherry can also be used as a rear planting for low perennials.
Selecting the ideal substrate
The soil should be sandy and well-drained. Loamy soils are therefore extremely unsuitable and should be mixed with sand and gravel to make them more permeable. Loosen the soil well to allow the roots to spread. If the soil is also noticeably poor in nutrients, you should enrich the substrate with compost.
How to plant the Kuril cherry correctly
The ideal planting time for the Kuril cherry is autumn. Alternatively, planting is also possible in spring. The winter months, on the other hand, are not suitable for planting, as there should be no frost. The ground must therefore be frost-free in any case. If that's the case, when planting, proceed as best you canfollows:
- Select Location
- Water the Kuril cherry (about half an hour with the plant pot)
- Dig the planting hole (twice the size of the root ball)
- Pot Kuril Cherry
- Put Kuril cherry in the planting hole
- Fill the planting hole with substrate
- Tread the substrate slightly
- Water the Kuril cherry well
How to properly care for the Kuril cherry
❍ Pour Kuril cherry:
In the first year after planting, the need for water is extremely high. Regular watering is necessary for the plant to take root. Mature plants, on the other hand, only need to be watered during longer dry periods. The upper layer of soil is allowed to dry out.
Tip:
You can also water with tap water. The Kurile cherry tolerates lime.
❍ Fertilize Kuril cherry:
When planting, the addition of compost or horn shavings is a good idea. In principle, further fertilization is not necessary, since trees are usually well supplied with nutrients. If you want to promote flowering, you can use phosphorus fertilizer.
❍ Cut Kuril cherry:
The plant grows slowly and forms a nice natural branching. Cutting measures are therefore not necessary. If necessary, however, the Kuril cherry is compatible with pruning. For example, carefully cut back the plant in spring. You can also cut branches that are too long after flowering. However, a clearing cut should only be made after the third year of growth.
❍ Overwinter Kuril cherry:
The Kuril cherry is frost hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -35 degrees. If you cultivate the plants in tubs, you should surround the plant pot with garden fleece or place the plant in a cool but frost-free room in the house.
How to propagate the Kuril cherry
If you can't get enough of the Kuril cherry, you can propagate by cuttings. A bit of luck is required, however, because propagation is only successful in rare cases. If you still want to try it, you can cut cuttings in autumn. You should choose a shoot that has at least two eyes. The cuttings are then grown in sandy soil and must be kept consistently moist.
Tip:
Place the planter with the cutting in the shade.
Detecting and combating diseases and pests
Pests appear on he althy and vigorous onesKuril cherries not on. Occasionally, however, an infestation with the Monilla fungus is observed. The cherries will then turn brown and rot. Only treatment with a fungicide will help here.