Prunus cerasifera (F)
cherry plum
P. cerasifera is an upright, rounded, twiggy, deciduous tree producing small, white flowers in early spring as the leaves open, sometimes followed by edible, red, orange or yellow, plum-like fruit about 2.5cm long
Synonyms
Prunus cerasifera 'Cherry Plum'Prunus korolkowii
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Red Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- SE Europe SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
Pests
Can suffer from aphids, including plum aphid 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
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