Description
Quick Facts
• Height: 1.8m clear stem with rounded deciduous crown
• Spread: 2-2.5m mature canopy
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in Irish conditions
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Flowering: Spectacular spring blossom display
• Autumn Colour: Rich golden-bronze foliage
Description
Behold the poetry of spring captured in living form – our Prunus Brenelia standard tree is nature’s own celebration of renewal and hope. Rising elegantly on its 1.8-metre stem, this magnificent ornamental cherry crowns itself with a perfectly rounded head that transforms dramatically through the seasons, offering a year-long symphony of beauty that never fails to enchant.
In early spring, before the leaves have even thought to unfurl, Brenelia bursts into the most breathtaking display of soft pink blossoms that seem to float like delicate clouds against the Irish sky. These exquisite flowers, each one a masterpiece of pale rose petals with deeper pink edges, create such a spectacular show that your garden becomes a destination in its own right – a place where neighbours pause to admire and photographers linger to capture the magic.
As the petals drift away like confetti on the spring breeze, fresh green leaves emerge to clothe the elegant framework, providing a serene canopy of shade through the summer months. Come autumn, this remarkable tree offers one final flourish, painting itself in rich tones of gold and bronze that glow like burnished copper in the low autumn light.
This is more than an ornamental tree – it’s a marker of the seasons, a herald of spring’s return, and a living sculpture that brings joy and wonder to every corner of your garden sanctuary.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting: Choose a sunny to partially shaded position with well-draining, fertile soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can stress the tree. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the root flare sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and quality compost, water thoroughly, and apply organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Care: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, this hardy tree requires minimal care. Prune immediately after flowering if needed to maintain shape, removing any shoots on the clear stem promptly. Avoid late summer or winter pruning which can make the tree susceptible to disease.
Seasonal Notes: The spectacular blossom display typically occurs in March to April, depending on weather conditions. For the best flowering, ensure the tree receives morning sun. The autumn colour is most vibrant when the tree experiences cool nights and sunny days.
Companion Planting: Underplant with spring bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and grape hyacinths that will bloom alongside the cherry blossom. Create a stunning spring display with early perennials like pulmonaria and brunnera. The light canopy allows for a rich understory of shade-tolerant plants.
Design Notes: Perfect as a specimen tree in lawns, excellent for creating seasonal focal points, and beautiful when planted in groups for a small orchard effect. The rounded crown makes it ideal for formal settings while the natural grace suits cottage garden styles.