About
Prunus mahaleb, the St Lucie cherry, is a spreading, deciduous tree to 10 m with glossy, mid-green leaves turning yellow in autumn. In mid- to late spring it produces small sprays of very aromatic, bowl-shaped, white flowers, followed by small, glossy, very bitter, red cherries ripening to black. A beautiful and fragrant flowering cherry for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toC Europe & Asia Minor
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil 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