Prunus fruticosa
European dwarf cherry
A small, suckering shrub 1-2m high and wide, with slender branches and deep green, shiny, scalloped-edged foliage turning brilliant red, orange and yellow in autumn. Produces small, white flowers in late spring, sometimes followed by very acidic, dark red fruit. Often grown as a top-worked standard, producing a neat, mop-headed tree in various sizes
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil preferably in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1, ideally in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf infection
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.