The New Tree – a Prunus padus var ‘Pandora’
Dear Readers, a few years ago the Shadberry/Amelanchior just up the road from us was blown over in high winds. Judging by the angle at which it was leaning, this wasn’t surprising…
..and in July 2023, the inevitable happened.
Since then, we’ve had the very welcome implementation of some EV charging points along the road, so I wasn’t expecting to see another street tree. Imagine my surprise, and joy, to see a new tree planted. This is a cherry tree, variety ‘Pandora’, and it’s actually a cultivar of the native Bird Cherry. In the spring it should have pink-flushed white flowers, and deep crimson leaves in the autumn, so although it doesn’t look very exciting at the moment, it should be lovely once it becomes established. As it has several seasons of interest, it’s the perfect street tree, and hopefully the bees will like it just as much as they do its older relatives, as documented here.
Prunus pandora flowers from https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/prunus-pandora/classid.4635/sku.TR30000766/
Street trees bring so much joy and interest to our towns, and if chosen wisely can provide a biodiversity boost as well. Fingers crossed that this one has been planted properly and does well.