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Prunus cerasifera 'Hessei' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cherry plum 'Hessei'

A small, bushy deciduous tree suitable for smaller gardens reaching around 2m in height and spread after 20 years. The young pale green leaves gradually turn bronze-purple and irregularly edged creamy white to yellow or pink as they mature; aging to red, purple and yellow in the autumn. White flowers in spring

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Bronze Purple Orange
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil that is not prone to staying wet, and 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer. If desired, you can trim last year’s growth after flowering in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to plum aphid and winter moth caterpillar

Diseases

May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus

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