Prunus padus
Bird cherry
- Height × spread
- 8m – 12m × 4m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Spring, Summer & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is early to flower and has plentiful white flowers that are held in short columns, curiously picturesque. The flowers have an almond fragrance. The tree has yellow and red autumn tints but is less showy than many of the cherries. There may be bitter fruits but these are poisonous if eaten. The tree has the charm of the unusual with purple leaf forms 'Colorata' and 'Purple Queen' among other fine cultivars.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Purple
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Cone, Oval
- Height
- 8m – 12m
- Spread
- 4m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- 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, Architectural, 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 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
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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