Choke cherry
Prunus virginiana · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around choke cherry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), white flowers in clusters
- Adult size
- 6 to 10 m in height, 4 to 6 m in spread
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-30 °C)
- Origin
- North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic, fertile
Care
Exposure
Plant your black cherry in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth and generous flowering. A minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended. Avoid overly shaded areas that would slow its development.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish good root development. Once established, the black cherry is relatively tolerant of drought but appreciates regular watering during hot and dry periods. Under normal conditions, natural rainfall is usually sufficient.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. This tree adapts to various soils but dislikes chronic waterlogging. Adding well-decomposed compost at planting time will promote establishment.
Pruning and structure
Carry out formative pruning in the first few years to create a nice framework. Light pruning in late winter removes dead or crossing branches. Avoid severe pruning that weakens the tree and promotes disease.
Fertilizer
An annual application of well-decomposed compost at the base is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering and fruiting. A natural balance is preferable to excessive fertilization.
Diseases and pests
The black cherry can be prone to bacterial canker and certain pests (sawflies, aphids). Good air circulation, adequate drainage and removal of affected branches reduce risks. Act quickly if symptoms appear to limit spread.
Did you know?
The black cherry, also called 'wild cherry' or 'wild plum', was used by Native Americans who ate its fruits and prepared medicinal decoctions from them. In Europe, this tree gradually became established as an ornamental in the nineteenth century, valued for its generous spring flowering and remarkable hardiness in temperate climates.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.