Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’

‘Royal Burgundy’ is one of the best purple-leaved flowering cherries, a sport of ‘Kanzan’ discovered in Oregon. Masses of candyfloss-pink double flowers open in March and April against the glossy deep wine-purple young foliage, a really striking colour pairing.

Leaves hold their purple through summer and turn bright scarlet in autumn, so you get a second burst of colour late in the year. It forms a medium-sized, slightly spreading tree, reaching around 5m tall and 3m wide in 20 years. Holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Plant in full sun in any well-draining soil. Prune only in midsummer, if at all, to reduce the risk of silver leaf. Tough and dependable, with presence in every season.

A proper specimen tree for a front garden, a lawn centre, or a focal point in a mixed border.