Overview
Prunus cornuta is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus cornuta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Prunus cornuta, the Himalayan bird cherry, is a species of bird cherry native to the foothills of the Himalayas, including China and the countries of the Indian subcontinent. It is used for a rootstock for sweet cherries in India. Its specific epithet references the "horned" deformation of the fruit seen when a tree is afflicted with the fungal disease pocket plum gall, ascribed to the species Taphrina padi. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus cornuta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Prunus cornuta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus cornuta
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus cornuta?
Prunus cornuta prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus cornuta need?
Prunus cornuta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Prunus cornuta hardy in the UK?
Prunus cornuta has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Prunus cornuta?
Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.
More in the Prunus genus
- Prunus 'Senriko'
- Prunus 'Uzu-zakura'
- Prunus armeniaca 'Ips336'PBR
- Prunus armeniaca 'Kioto'PBR (F)
- Prunus avium 'Bicolam' (F)
- Prunus avium 'Ferdouce'wild cherry 'Ferdouce'
- Prunus avium 'Spc342'PBR
- Prunus canescensgreyleaf cherry
