Prunus mirobolana
Prunus mirobolana · Rosaceae
⚠️ 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 prunus mirobolana and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April, white or pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 10 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates down to -15°C
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, tolerant
- Fruits
- Small yellow or red drupes, edible
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Prunus mirobolana flowers very early and fruits better in full sun, in well-drained soil but not dry in spring.
The common mistake
Pruning hard in winter removes some flower buds and exposes wounds to diseases.
The pro's trick
Thin the fruits in early summer if branches are overloaded to prevent breakage and alternate bearing.
Care
Light Exposure
The cherry plum thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours daily. Generous sunlight promotes abundant flowering and fruit production. Avoid overly shaded areas, which would slow growth and fruiting.
Watering
Water needs are moderate once the plant is established. Water regularly when young and during dry periods. In temperate climates, rainfall is usually sufficient; in arid regions, regular watering accelerates rooting and boosts productivity.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Cherry plum tolerates various soils, even chalky or slightly acidic ones. Enrich the planting hole with compost to stimulate establishment and initial vigor.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune after fruiting or in late winter to balance the shape and open up the tree's center. Remove dead or crossing branches. Light pruning suffices; the tree naturally structures its crown if growth is vigorous.
Fertilizing
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soil, a balanced fertilizer at the start of the season promotes flowering and fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor foliage at the expense of fruit.
Diseases and Pests
Cherry plum is generally robust but can be affected by moniliosis (flower blight) in humid climates. Ensure good air circulation through pruning. Watch for aphids in spring and wood-boring pests. Regular hygiene prevents most problems.
Did you know?
The cherry plum has been cultivated for millennia in Asia, where its small yellow or red fruits inspired countless culinary preparations and traditional remedies. Its name derives from the Persian "mir" (Emir) and Greek "bolan" (acorn), a historic designation that testifies to its ancient prestige along the trade routes between East and West.
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.