Prunus cerasifera 'Hessei' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
cherry plum 'Hessei'
Plants for pollinators
Trees

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 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
South–facing or West–facing or East–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

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