About
Prunus padus, the bird cherry, is a large, deciduous tree with toothed, ovate leaves turning yellow in autumn and pendant racemes of fragrant, white flowers 1 cm wide in late spring, followed by small, bitter, black fruits. An ornamental and wildlife-friendly native tree for a sunny garden or woodland edge.
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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, W Asia to Korea and Japan
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 seed, chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can also be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa