Cherry-plum
Prunus cerasifera · Rosaceae
📷 AnRo0002 · CC0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et noyaux ou graines mâchés contiennent des glycosides cyanogènes ; le risque dépend de la partie et de la quantité ingérées. Pour les espèces fruitières, la chair mûre dénoyautée est généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cherry-plum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April
- Adult size
- Up to 6 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Central Asia and Caucasus
- Soil type
- All soils, prefers well-drained and fertile
- Fruits
- Edible (small yellow or red plums)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Flexible and productive. Install it in full sun and you'll get pink flowers in March followed by small edible red fruits.
The common mistake
Don't prune too harshly in winter: wait until June after fruiting for light pruning that keeps its shape.
The pro's trick
Let the faded flowers turn into fruit: this display is almost better than the blooms and birds will feast on them afterwards.
Care
Exposure
Plant your cherry myrobolan in full sun to encourage abundant flowering and good fruiting. It tolerates fairly open, breezy locations well. Avoid overly shaded areas which reduce flower and fruit production.
Watering
Water regularly during planting and the first two years of establishment. Once well-rooted, the tree tolerates dry periods well thanks to its developed root system. Increase watering slightly during prolonged drought or when fruiting.
Soil
Cherry myrobolan adapts to virtually all soil types, including chalky and poor soils. However, it prefers well-drained and slightly fertile soil. Improve the soil at planting time with compost or potting soil.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential, but remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. To maintain a balanced shape, prune lightly after flowering if needed. Avoid heavy pruning which reduces fruiting.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is generally not necessary except on poor soils. In late winter, add some compost or lightly dosed fertilizer to support growth. Excessive applications promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
This species is very hardy and rarely affected by serious diseases. Occasionally watch for aphids and certain fungi during humid periods. Ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Cherry myrobolan long served as a rootstock to improve vigor and adaptation of other cultivated cherries. Its small shiny plums inspired its name 'myrobolan' (from Greek 'myron', perfume, and 'balan', acorn), as these fruits were once used in confectionery and preserving. It's also an excellent ornamental tree in spring, with its white or soft pink flowering.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.