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prunus canadensis

Prunus canadensis, commonly known as the American Plum, is a picturesque small tree or large shrub prized for its four-season beauty and wildlife value. Indigenous to North America, Prunus canadensis puts on a dazzling spring show with clouds of fragrant white blooms, followed by juicy, tart fruits that are adored by birds and gardeners alike. Its vibrant autumn foliage and moderately dense branching create year-round interest in New Zealand gardens seeking resilience and natural charm.

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Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls)

Cercis Ruby Falls, commonly known as the Ruby Falls Redbud or Ruby Falls Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage and pendulous growth. The glossy, heart shaped leaves emerge dark purple in spring and remain this colour until autumn. Masses of small, pink blossoms are produced as the foliage emerges in spring and are very aesthetic. Ruby Falls is usually trained as a single-trunked tree to about 2.5 m tall then allowed to naturally trail to give a graceful, weeping growth habit. Cercis canadensis Ruby Falls is commonly grown as a stunning specimen tree, planted to border an entranceway, included in a mixed planting, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
prunus-kanzan-1

Prunus Kanzan

5 from 1 customers

Prunus Kanzan is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of double, rich pink blossoms through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase shape, bearing green foliage which develops yellow, orange, and red tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 6 m tall and 4 m wide. Prunus Kanzan is a stunning tree when in flower and makes a fine addition to any garden. It is commonly used in avenue plantings, grown as a specimen, or added to a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
prunus-spire-

Prunus Spire

Growing Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' in NZ is straightforward when planted in full sun and free draining soil. It tolerates a variety of conditions...

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Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) tree with masses of elegant, white flowers.

Amelanchier canadensis

Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) is a beautiful multi seasonal shrub prized for its delicate white spring blossoms, sweet edible summer berries...

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Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy tree, commonly known as Forest Pansy Redbud or Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, is a small tree grown for its...

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Prunus Falling Snow

Prunus Falling Snow is a variety of Flowering Cherry grown for its pendulous growth and fantastic flowering. It features masses of single, white...

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Prunus Accolade

Prunus Accolade is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of semi-double flowers. The frilly and pink blooms are borne in clusters...

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Prunus 'Jim's Delight' rose pink flowers on a tree.

Prunus 'Jim's Delight'

Prunus 'Jim’s Delight' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular spring blossoms and vibrant seasonal foliage. This small deciduous...

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Prunus campanulata superba with pink flowers and a tui in the tree.

Prunus campanulata Superba

Prunus campanulata Superba is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of single, rose-red blossoms. These are held in pendulous clusters...

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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus Mountain Haze Tree Size and Growth Habit

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Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.

Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a large shrub that is widely grown across the world. It features dark red stems that...

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An avenue of Prunus 'Pink Perfection' trees with pink blossoms.

Prunus 'Pink Perfection'

Prunus 'Pink Perfection' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its profusion of double pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree brings...

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Prunus Southern Gem

Prunus 'Southern Gem' is a beautiful cherry tree prized for its early pink blossoms that herald the arrival of spring. This deciduous tree grows up...

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Prunus Amanogawa

Prunus Amanogawa is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of pale-pink flowers through spring. The mildly fragrant, semi-double flowers...

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Prunus Pink Cloud

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is a beautiful cherry tree known for its profuse vibrant pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree grows up to 5 metres tall...

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Prunus Awanui

Prunus Awanui is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of fragrant, pink flowers through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase...

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Prunus Shirotae

Prunus Shirotae is a graceful deciduous tree prized for its abundant pure white blossoms that brighten gardens each spring. Its upright, spreading...

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Prunus mume Peggy Clarke

Prunus mume 'Peggy Clarke' is a charming apricot tree valued for its fragrant pink blossoms that bloom in late winter to early spring. This deciduous...

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Prunus mume The Geisha

Prunus mume 'The Geisha', commonly known as Japanese Apricot, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its delightful fragrance and early winter blooms...

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Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura

Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features pendulous branches and stunning flowers. It produces masses of the large...

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cercis-hearts-of-gold-

Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold tree, commonly known as the Redbud Tree or Hearts Of Gold Redbud, is a small and popular, deciduous tree grown...

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cercis-texas-white-2

Cercis canadensis Texas White

Cercis canadensis Texas White, commonly known as the White Redbud tree, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely...

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Beautiful Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' pink and white blossoms.

Prunus Shimidsu Sakura

Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' is an elegant deciduous tree celebrated for its abundant pink blossoms that brighten gardens in spring. Its upright growth...

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Prunus Ukon

Prunus 'Ukon', a cultivar of Japanese flowering cherry, is renowned for its distinctive creamy yellow blossoms that bloom in late spring. Unlike the...

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prunus-ichiyo-

Prunus Ichiyo

Prunus 'Ichiyo' is a stunning cherry tree known for its large, double pink blossoms that bloom profusely in mid to late spring. This deciduous tree...

From$432.79
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Prunus Felix Jury

Prunus Felix Jury is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of large, claret-red blossoms in spring which are held as pendulous clusters...

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Prunus Thundercloud

Prunus Thundercloud, commonly known as the Thundercloud Plum, is a deciduous ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant purple foliage and early...

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Prunus yedoensis

Prunus yedoensis, commonly known as the Yoshino cherry, is celebrated for its profuse white blossoms in early spring. This deciduous tree grows to...

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prunus-okame-

Prunus Okame

Prunus Okame is a beautiful deciduous tree known for its early spring display of vibrant pink blossoms. Its upright, rounded growth habit and...

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Prunus autumnalis Rosea

Prunus Autumnalis Rosea is a popular variety of Flowering Cherry due to its stunning blooms and long flowering. It features semi-double, pale-pink...

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prunus-tai-haku-2

Prunus Tai Haku

Prunus 'Tai Haku', also known as the Great White Cherry, is prized for its large, pure white blossoms that bloom in mid to late spring. This...

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Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant...

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Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Amelanchier Cercis and Prunus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Flowering Apricots Flowering Cherry Tree and Flowering Plums.

Search prunus canadensis

Features of Prunus canadensis

Prunus canadensis stands out with its upright, spreading habit, typically reaching 3–6 metres tall. The profuse early-spring blossoms are a magnet for bees and pollinators, making it a vital addition to any wildlife-friendly planting scheme. By late summer, the tree produces clusters of red to yellow plums—delicious for preserves, fresh eating, or attracting tūī and bellbirds. Its leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn, injecting a bold splash of colour before winter. In addition, Prunus canadensis’s adaptability means it's tolerant of a wide range of soil types and hardy enough to withstand frosty Kiwi conditions.

Growing Prunus canadensis in New Zealand

Planting Prunus canadensis is a rewarding venture for both novice and experienced gardeners. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained soil for best results. While reasonably drought-resistant once established, younger trees benefit from some shelter and regular watering during dry spells. Prunus canadensis is largely pest and disease resistant and can thrive with minimal maintenance. Give your American Plum room to develop its natural shape or prune lightly after flowering if you prefer a tidier silhouette, similar to the upright profile of Prunus Spire.

Uses and Landscape Benefits

Prunus canadensis is highly versatile. Use it as a single specimen to showcase its seasonal drama or massed in an informal hedgerow for privacy and shelter. It pairs beautifully with other flowering trees such as Prunus Kanzan, renowned for its pink, double blooms, or the refined white flowers of Prunus Mountain Ice. Its ability to attract native birds and pollinators makes it a wise choice for eco-conscious landscapes and rural properties. The fruit can be made into classic jams, sauces, or even eaten straight from the branch—just one more reason to welcome Prunus canadensis into your backyard.

Companion Planting and Alternatives

If you’re seeking companions with similar statuesque beauty or seasonal interest, consider the deep burgundy foliage of Cercis canadensis Merlot or the cascading form of Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls). Both offer striking contrast and, like Prunus canadensis, thrive in well-drained soils and full sun. Mixing these ornamental trees produces a dynamic garden display that evolves from spring to autumn while providing valuable habitat for native birdlife.

Discover the enduring appeal of Prunus canadensis and create a landscape that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial to New Zealand’s natural environment.


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–The Plant Company

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