Overview
Prunus padus is a bushy, suckering tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 15.0 m tall. Prunus padus 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 gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe and northern and northeast Asia.
About
Prunus padus, the bird cherry, is a flowering plant in the rose family, the type species of the subgenus Padus, which have flowers in racemes. It is native to Europe and northern and northeast Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus padus
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
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 padus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 15.0 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Europe, northern and northeast Asia
- Fragrance
- fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus padus
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; Softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, 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 padus?
Prunus padus prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus padus need?
Prunus padus 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.
How big does Prunus padus grow?
Prunus padus reaches a height of 15.0 m.
Is Prunus padus hardy in the UK?
Prunus padus 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 padus?
Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; Softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer.
