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Fruit EdibleTreesSynonym

Prunus cerasifera 'Cherry Plum'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cherry plum

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

Other common names
myrobalan
myrobalan plum
see moreweeping plum
mirabelle
Synonyms
Prunus cerasifera 'Cherry Plum'
Prunus korolkowii

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 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 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
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

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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

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