About
Prunus serotina, the black cherry, is a medium-sized, spreading, deciduous tree with glossy, dark-green, lance-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins that turn yellow in autumn. Perfumed, white flowers in hanging clusters to 15 cm long are borne in early summer and are followed by red fruits that turn black in winter. An ornamental and wildlife-friendly tree for a large, sunny 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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cherry blackfly and other aphids, leaf-mining moths and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, blossom wilt and bacterial canker. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa