About
A small, bushy, deciduous tree which may develop into a shrubby, suckering thicket, to around 5m. In mid- to late spring produces dense clusters of pure white flowers, followed by soft, juicy, sour, red or black cherries. Has thin, dark branches, shiny, red-brown bark, and glossy, rich green leaves up to 8cm long. One of the parents of morello cherries.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy, Spreading branched, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySeed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, moist, fertile soil preferably in full sun
PruningPruning group 1, ideally in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf infection
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa