Prunus kurilensis 'BRILLANT'

This flowering plum is a popular flowering tree although very few people even know its name. It is a slow to medium fast growing small tree which makes a handsome crown with profusion of flowers early in the spring, sooner than any Japanese flowering cherry. In our garden it is the first heavily blooming tree in spring after witch hazels.

Brillant is a variety with pure white flowers that come out in early April. They do not mind snow or frost and remain unharmed if they come, awaiting warmer, sunny days to continue flowering. Deciduous leaves are obovate, sharply serrated, mid green in summer, turning orange and burgundy red in autumn. Pruning is not necessary if a dense crown is required – it makes dense branching naturally. If you wish to shape the plant do so at the end of winter.

Flowering plums and cherries are not too demanding for soil type. They like moist but well drained soil, preferably acidic for good autumn colour. Fully hardy to -34°C.

Last update 08-01-2010