Prunus avium
Sweet cherry, Wild cherry, Gean, Mazzard
- Height × spread
- 7m – 20m × 3m – 12m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Our beloved native cherry tree heralds the coming of spring with its hopeful fluffy white blossom. A small flowering tree ideal for any garden, attracting pollinators and bearing edible shiny red fruits in autumn, a feast for the birds if not protected by nets. Some varieties for large gardens grow to a height/spread of 10m x 6m, while dwarf forms 2m x 1m are perfect for smaller spaces or in pots.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Black, Purple, Red, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 7m – 20m
- Spread
- 3m – 12m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Structural, Architectural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this species have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant for watering guidance.
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
More Prunus
Prunus
Cherry
Prunus 'Amanogawa'
Flagpole cherry, Upright cherry, Lombardy cherry, Apple blossom cherry
Prunus 'Kanzan'
Prunus 'Okame'
Okame cherry
Prunus 'Royal Burgundy'
Purple green cherry
Prunus avium 'Stella'
Sweet cherry
Prunus avium 'Sunburst'
Sweet cherry
Prunus cerasus 'Morello'
Sour cherry