Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Prunus cerasifera, the Cherry plum, offers showy, fragrant white spring blooms and small, edible fruits. Hardy in zones 5-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Prunus cerasifera, widely known as the Cherry plum or Myrobalan plum, is a resilient deciduous tree native to western Asia and the Caucasus. This species is appreciated for its early spring display, featuring intensely fragrant, white flowers that appear before the foliage. While the species itself is often naturalizing, popular cultivars offer striking purple foliage that adds seasonal interest to the landscape.
Though it may sometimes grow into a shrubby or somewhat spiny form, the mature Cherry plum functions effectively as a small, rounded tree. Its flowers give way to small, edible fruits, sometimes eaten fresh though they are generally described as somewhat tasteless. Understanding the basic needs of Prunus cerasifera ensures successful establishment, particularly regarding soil drainage.
This tree is historically used as rootstock for other stone fruits, showcasing its vigorous nature. Gardeners looking for an early spring bloom from a hardy specimen tree often find the purple-leaved cultivars of Prunus cerasifera to be an excellent choice for landscape focal points.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: Central and western Asia, eastern Europe
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 15-30 ft
- Spread: 15-25 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The Cherry plum establishes best when planted in the spring or fall, provided the ground is workable. Selection should prioritize locations that offer full sun, as this encourages the best flower production, although it tolerates light shade. This species thrives in average, well-drained loams with medium moisture levels.
Maintaining adequate moisture is crucial during the establishment phase; once mature, the plant requires medium watering. Fertilization is rarely necessary unless the soil is exceptionally poor. Be mindful that Prunus cerasifera has a tendency to spread or naturalize through self-seeding, so site selection should account for this potential migration.
Pruning is generally minimal, focused mainly on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Early spring is the ideal time for any necessary structural work, right before bud break. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season to minimize vulnerability to late-season infections.
Landscape Uses
The species Prunus cerasifera is typically not preferred for formal ornamental use; however, its numerous cultivars, especially the purple-leaved varieties, are highly sought after. These cultivars function excellently as small specimen trees, serving as striking focal points in mixed borders or open lawns. The early white flowers provide significant visual impact early in the season.
When planning garden beds, consider mass planting these trees to create a vibrant early spring screen or border. Due to their adaptability to various soil conditions (provided drainage is good), they pair well with later-blooming deciduous shrubs, offering sequential visual interest throughout the growing season. If space allows, allowing the species form to naturalize in a less formal area can be attractive.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Prunus cerasifera, commonly called cherry plum or Myrobalan plum, is native to western Asia and the Caucasus, though today it exists primarily in cultivation or where it has escaped gardens and naturalized across the U.S. northeast and far west. This is a small, sometimes spiny, deciduous tree typically growing to 15-30’ tall with a shrubby, spreading, rounded habit that features very fragrant, mostly solitary white flowers in early spring. The flowers precede small, edible fruits, and while the species is rarely sold, many popular purple-leaved cultivars exist, and the species sometimes serves as rootstock for other stone fruits.
Tolerances
No specific tolerance data was provided, but general Prunus requirements suggest adaptability to varied conditions if drainage is met.
Potential Problems
The Cherry plum is known to be susceptible to a large array of insect and disease pests, demanding vigilant monitoring from the gardener. Potential diseases include serious concerns like black knot, plus leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and fireblight. Insects that commonly trouble this species include borers, aphids, various scales, leafhoppers, caterpillars (including tent caterpillars), and Japanese beetles.
Management requires prompt action. Immediately prune out and destroy any branch showing signs of disease like black knot swellings. For insect infestations, integrating cultural practices, such as ensuring good air circulation, often helps control mild outbreaks. Serious or recurring infestations, particularly involving borers or heavy aphid loads, may necessitate targeted insecticide application according to label directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cherry plum suitable for?
The Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Cherry plum grow?
At maturity, this tree typically reaches heights between 15 and 30 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 15 to 25 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Prunus cerasifera need?
Prunus cerasifera performs best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade; however, best flowering is achieved when planted in full sun.
When does Cherry plum bloom?
The Cherry plum typically blooms in April, producing showy, white flowers.
Conclusion
The Prunus cerasifera offers early spring beauty with its fragrant white blossoms and provides a small, edible fruit, making it a valuable early season resource. Whether utilizing the wild-type Cherry plum or its popular purple-leaved cultivars, ensure you select a location with well-drained soil appropriate for USDA Zones 5-8. Plan for early spring planting to allow this vigorous tree to establish well before summer heat.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Prunus cerasifera should focus on plants that share similar needs for medium water and well-drained soil, rather than competing directly for sunlight. Early-blooming bulbs such as crocuses or daffodils work well beneath the canopy, as they finish their cycle before the Cherry plum fully leafs out. For later color contrast, consider pairing it with later-blooming shrubs whose foliage contrasts with the species’ green leaves or the purple cultivars.
Groundcovers that tolerate some shade underneath the canopy, such as vinca or hostas (if planted far enough away from the trunk), can help regulate soil moisture consistently, which benefits the medium water needs of the plum tree. Avoid planting aggressive perennials immediately adjacent to the base, as the Myrobalan plum can spread or naturalize.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring cleanup involves carefully inspecting the tree for any winter damage or signs of emerging pests before the flowers open. Immediately after flowering concludes in spring, you can deadhead spent blooms if desired, though this is seldom necessary for Prunus cerasifera. This is also the best time for any structural pruning following cultural guidelines.
During the summer growing season, focus energy on consistent watering, ensuring the medium moisture requirement is met, especially during dry spells. Monitor foliage closely for early signs of common diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot, treating promptly upon identification. Fall preparation is minimal for this hardy tree; ensure the area around the base is clear of debris that could harbor pests over winter, but avoid heavy fertilizing late in the season.
