Cherry plum

Cherry plum Prunus cerasifera

What is the plant

Prunus cerasifera is a species of plum known by the common names cherry plum and myrobalan plum. It is native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, and is naturalised in the British Isles and scattered locations in North America.

Wild types of Prunus cerasifera are large shrubs or small trees reaching 8–12 m (25–40 feet) tall, sometimes spiny, with glabrous, ovate deciduous leaves 3–7 cm (1.5–2.5 inches) long. It is one of the first European trees to flower in spring, often starting in mid-February before the leaves have opened. The flowers are white or pale pink and about 2 cm (0.8 inches) across, with five petals and many stamens. The fruit is an edible drupe, 2–3 cm in diameter, ripening to yellow or red from early July to mid-September. They are self-fertile but can also be pollinated by other Prunus varieties such as the Victoria plum. The plant propagates by seed or by suckering, and is often used as the rootstock for other Prunus species and cultivars. The cherry plum is a popular ornamental tree for garden and landscaping use, grown for its very early flowering.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

5a - 8b

Difficulty

Hard

Water
We advise you to water your cherry tree regularly until the plant is established. Your cherry tree is likely to require regular watering after the fruit has set and it is beginning to swell.
Sunlight
All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light, oxygen, and water into carbohydrates (energy). Plants require this energy to grow, bloom and produce seeds. Without adequate light, carbohydrates cannot be manufactured, the energy reserves are depleted and plants die. They need 12-14 hours of indirect sunlight.
Fertilizer
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.

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Soil
Loam soil facilitates plant growth in three key ways. Aeration: The varied particle sizes in loam create a loosely-packed soil that allows oxygen to flow freely to plant roots. Nutrient retention: The presence of clay in loam ensures that nutrients cling to the soil, rather than being washed out by water.
Pruning
Dead fronds and leaves can be removed.
Temperature
Avoid planting in pockets where frost may settle, as the frost may damage your trees. If possible, find a sheltered location, such as a south- or west-facing spot out of the wind. This will help the plum tree set fruit. The plant can be grown in areas with the lowest winter temperatures of -34.4°C (-30°F).

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Container
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size. Ceramic pots are porous which means your plants are less likely to experience root rot from overwatering. It also means you'll have to water more often. Plastic pots are lighter, less likely to break, and easier to clean.
Popularity
1,334 people already have this plant 476 people have added this plant to their wishlists