Spire Cherry Prunus 'Spire'
ABOUT
Prunus 'Spire' is a deciduous ornamental cherry tree that is widely admired for its aesthetic appeal throughout the different seasons. In spring, the tree is adorned with an impressive display of pink flowers that emerge as tightly clustered buds. These buds unfurl to reveal delicate pink blossoms, which may cover the branches so profusely that the emerging green leaves might be barely visible initially. The blossoms of Prunus 'Spire' have a classic cherry blossom appearance, with five rounded petals that may have a slightly notched edge. The coloration of the blooms ranges from pale to a more vivid pink and offers a striking contrast against the background of the branches and emerging foliage. Following the flowering season, the tree's leaves mature to a rich green, giving the tree a dense, leafy canopy. The shape of the leaves is elongated, with a serrated or toothed margin, and they come to a pointed tip. This creates a texture and fullness that contributes to the tree's overall aesthetics. As the seasons change, this tree's foliage transitions again, offering a stunning autumn display. The leaves may turn to warm shades of orange, red, and yellow, providing a burst of color before they fall. The cumulative effect of these colorful leaves against the autumn sky can be quite remarkable. Prunus 'Spire' also has a notable bark that adds to its visual interest, particularly in the winter when the leaves have fallen. The bark can be a source of subtle beauty, with a texture and pattern that provides visual interest even when the tree is dormant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spire Cherry, Spire Ornamental Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Spire'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Spire', commonly known as ornamental cherry, possesses components that can be toxic if ingested by humans. The seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially the seeds which have a higher concentration of the toxins, may lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, ingestion of large amounts can lead to cyanide poisoning, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
To pets
The ornamental cherry or Prunus 'Spire' is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides within the seeds, leaves, and stems that can convert to cyanide when ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. If a pet consumes a large amount, it could result in cyanide poisoning which poses a serious health risk and could be fatal if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: The Prunus 'Spire', or Columnar Cherry, produces beautiful pink blossoms in spring, adding visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, and the fruit can attract birds.
- Compact growth: Columnar Cherry has an upright, narrow habit which is ideal for small gardens or confined spaces.
- Seasonal interest: Offers year-round interest through spring blooms, summer fruits, autumn leaf color, and the stark beauty of its bare winter branches.
- Shade provision: Can be used to provide light shade in garden designs or over patios when mature.
- Privacy screening: The dense foliage can be effective for privacy screening or as a windbreak in urban or suburban settings.
- Easy to grow: Generally hardy and easy to care for, requiring only basic maintenance to thrive.
- Versatility in landscaping: Suitable for borders, avenues, or as a focal point in garden designs.
- Low water usage: Once established, Columnar Cherry is relatively drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Improves biodiversity: By supporting pollinators and birds, it helps maintain ecosystem balance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood from the Cherry "Spire" tree can be used for woodworking projects, including the creation of small decorative items, finely crafted furniture, or turned objects like bowls.
- Photography: The picturesque blossoms of Cherry "Spire" make it an excellent subject for photographers, especially during the spring bloom season.
- Edible Landscaping: While not as well-known for fruit as other cherry species, Cherry "Spire" might produce small fruits that can be incorporated into edible landscape designs.
- Culinary Experiments: The flowers of Cherry "Spire" may be edible in small quantities and can be used for garnishing or infusing desserts with a light floral flavor.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of Cherry "Spire", with their attractive flowers and foliage, can be used in fresh floral arrangements and for event decor.
- Natural Dyes: The bark, leaves, and potentially the flowers can be explored for their natural dye properties, often resulting in subtle shades for textiles.
- Educational Tool: Cherry "Spire" can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens and horticulture programs to teach about ornamental plant breeding and pruning techniques.
- Windbreaks: Due to their shape and foliage, Cherry "Spire" trees can be planted in rows to serve as windbreaks in a garden or small-scale farm environment.
- Wildlife Shelter: Birds and beneficial insects may find shelter and nesting spots within the branches of the Cherry "Spire" trees.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Cherry "Spire" trees can be central to spring festivals or plant-centric celebrations, particularly when they're in peak bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cherry Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Springtime: As a type of flowering cherry tree, the Prunus 'Spire' heralds the arrival of spring with its blossoms, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Beauty: The delicate and striking blossoms represent beauty and the transient nature of life, reminding observers of the aesthetic pleasures to be found in the natural world.
- Life Cycle: The Prunus 'Spire', like other cherry trees, goes through a beautiful but short-lived bloom period, symbolizing the stages of life and the fleeting nature of our existence.
- Purity: The white to soft pink blossoms are often associated with purity and innocence, a common theme in cultural ceremonies and traditions.
- Renewal: As the tree sheds its blossoms and later its leaves, it becomes a symbol for renewal and the cyclical nature of life, always leading to rejuvenation and growth.
- Love: In certain cultures, cherry blossoms are tied to love and affection, representing the emotional beauty and intensity of love's bloom.
WaterThe Spire Cherry tree, known commonly as the Prunus 'Spire', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Typically, watering once a week with about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water is sufficient; however, this can vary depending on your soil type and climate. During the growing season, increase the frequency to twice a week if there is insufficient rainfall. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Reduce watering in the fall before the tree enters dormancy.
LightThe Spire Cherry tree thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this tree is an area that provides unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, ensuring its growth and blossoming potential are maximized.
TemperatureThe Spire Cherry tree is hardy and can endure a range of temperature conditions, tolerating a minimum winter temperature of around -20 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum summer temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growth temperatures for this tree are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Spire Cherry tree to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and allow light into the center of the canopy. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Ideally, light pruning should be done every year to maintain the ornamental appearance and health of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Ornamental Cherry should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of loam, peat, and sharp sand with added compost or well-rotted manure will support healthy growth.
RepottingOrnamental Cherry trees, being larger landscape plants, are not typically repotted. Instead, they are planted in a suitable location with adequate space to accommodate their growth.
Humidity & MistingOrnamental Cherry trees prefer outdoor conditions with natural humidity and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive; they adapt to the ambient humidity of their environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ornamental Cherries aren't suited for indoor growth; they need outdoor space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus 'Spire', commonly known as the 'Spire' Cherry, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates in late spring, after experiencing winter stratification. The seedling stage follows, where the plant establishes its root system and grows its first leaves. As it enters the juvenile stage, the 'Spire' Cherry develops strong branches and gains height rapidly, typically maturing within a few years. Once mature, it blossoms in spring with abundant white to pink flowers, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, non-edible fruits by summer end, which disperse seeds for the next generation. The tree continues to grow and can have a lifespan of several decades, during which time it will undergo periods of dormancy in winter with yearly cycles of flowering and fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
One of the most popular methods for propagating the 'Spire' Cherry, which is a variety of ornamental cherry, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth in late summer, when the wood has matured to a semi-hardwood state. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, with leaves removed from the lower half. These cuttings would then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide adequate drainage. The cuttings need to be kept under high humidity and consistent moisture until roots have developed, which can take several weeks to a few months. To retain moisture and create a humid environment, a plastic bag or a propagator can be placed over the cuttings, and it should be placed in indirect light until rooted, after which it can be gradually acclimatized to more sunlight.
