About
Abundant, white semi-double flowers in spring are followed by small, dark red inedible fruits in summer. An elegant, pyramid-shaped deciduous tree with a tighter, more compact habit than the species P. avium, becoming wider with age. The dark green serrated leaves turn orange and red in autumn. Many cultivated varieties of cherry have been bred from this species.
About the genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cherry blackfly, pear and cherry slugworm and winter moth caterpillar. The fruit can be damaged by spotted wing drosophila and birds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus