Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Load video: Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 1.8m Approx.
100L: 2.5m – 3.5m Approx.
200L: 3.8m – 4.5m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' holds deep crimson-purple foliage on a tight upright column, delivering strong seasonal colour in a footprint narrow enough for a nature strip or a side boundary. Pale pink blossom covers the bare frame in early spring before the foliage emerges.

'Oakville Crimson Spire' grows to 8 to 12 metres tall but only 3 to 4 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, giving a genuinely columnar habit that needs no pruning to maintain. It is widely specified for streetscapes, driveway avenues and civic plantings where canopy width has to be controlled.

This is a frost hardy tree that survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and foliage colour is strongest where winters are cold. It grows in full sun to part shade, though the deepest crimson tones develop in an open sunny position.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

How tall and wide does 'Oakville Crimson Spire' grow?

It reaches 8 to 12 metres tall and only 3 to 4 metres wide, holding a distinctly columnar form. The narrow width is its defining feature and the reason it is used as a street tree.

What colour is the foliage?

Foliage is deep crimson-purple and holds that colour through the growing season rather than fading to bronze or green, which gives a long season of interest.

When does it flower?

Pale pink blossom covers the bare branches in early spring, before the foliage emerges. The display typically lasts two to three weeks.

Is 'Oakville Crimson Spire' deciduous?

Yes. It is fully deciduous, dropping its foliage through autumn and flowering on bare wood the following spring.

Does it need pruning to stay narrow?

No. The columnar habit is natural and holds without intervention. Remove any crossing or damaged wood in winter, but formative pruning is not required.

How far apart should I plant it for an avenue?

Plant 2.5 to 3 metres apart for a continuous columnar avenue, or 3 to 4 metres apart where each tree should read separately.

Is it frost hardy?

Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and cold winters actually improve both blossom and foliage colour.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'

From $180.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

From $145.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Viburnum tinus

From $135.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'

From $130.00

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

From $200.00

Liguleria Reniformis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Structural Foliage

Ligularia reniformis

$45.00

Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8m to 12m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' frost tolerant?

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' Flower?

Prunus cerasifera ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ produces a mass of pale pink to soft white blossoms in late winter to early spring. The flowers appear along the bare vertical branches, creating a striking contrast before the deep burgundy-purple foliage emerges for the season.

Does Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Fragrant

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is Native to Derived from Prunus cerasifera, native to southeast Europe and western Asia. ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ is an Australian-bred cultivar selected for its narrow growth habit and striking foliage colour.

What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' ?

Its early spring flowers attract bees and pollinating insects when little else is in bloom. The small, dark summer fruits provide food for birds, and the narrow, dense canopy offers shelter and perching opportunities, supporting biodiversity even in tight garden spaces.

How much Sunlight does Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' need?

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Prunus cerasifera ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then move to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong upright growth, seasonal flowering and vibrant foliage colour.

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ develops moderate drought tolerance. Its upright, columnar form performs reliably in warm, dry and urban conditions, maintaining healthy foliage and structure with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods.

youtube

How To Plant Your Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' in Different Soil

Prunus cerasifera performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'Oakville Crimson Spire' suitable for hedging? Yes, it can be used for hedging due to its compact growth habit.
What is the mature size of this tree? It typically reaches a height of 3-4 meters and a width of 1-2 meters.
Does it require special care during droughts? Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
When does it bloom? 'Oakville Crimson Spire' produces fragrant blooms in early spring.
Can it be used as a focal point in a garden design? Absolutely, its deep burgundy foliage makes it a striking focal point.