Prunus cerasus 'Morello'
Sour cherry
Also known as Prunus cerasus var. austera, Prunus 'Morello'
- Height × spread
- 8m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Generally available in Spring, Summer & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A small tree which arches its branches and which may sucker from the base of the plant. It is April flowering when it produces dainty, simple white flowers. The cherries are held on long stalks and are coloured a deep shade of venous red. They are acidic when young but if left on the tree to mature (birds permitting), with age they become even darker in colour and develop some sweetness. The leaves are green, have finely serrated edges and held on reddish young stalks. This is a slow growing tree and thus suited to quite small gardens. It is thought that the cherry was introduced to the UK by the Romans, so it has a long history of cultivation.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Green-bronze
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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