Prunus 'Trailblazer' (C/D)

RHS Plant Profile
cherry 'Trailblazer'
cherry 'Trailblazer' RHS

Synonyms

Prunus cerasifera 'Trailblazer'
Prunus Hollywood

Plants for pollinators
Trees

A broadly-upright, deciduous tree with oval, red-purple leaves. Bowl-shaped, white or pale pink flowers are produced before the leaves in mid-spring, and sometimes followed by edible, plum-like, red fruit

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Cherries suitable for culinary use have a tart flavour and are best cooked or made into a puree

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

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
  • Wall side borders

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 pocket plum, silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt