<p dir="ltr">Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a superb addition to an orchard, or used at the edges to create shelter and wildlife-friendly habitat. Naturally growing as a thick, thorny shrub it can be easily pruned into a tree. It provides interest throughout the year, from the pure white blossom which is one of the first to flower in spring, through to the edible small plum-like fruits in early autumn. It is a magnet for wildlife, attracting pollinating insects when there are few other food sources available, as a nesting site for birds, and as an autumn food source for birds and small mammals. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, it has naturalised in the British Isles, and grows well in most soils and sites, except in very wet situations. It does required full sun to thrive, and the sun will help to ripen the fruit to develop the best flavour.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As it is a species, the fruit can vary from plant to plant in terms of size and shape. Generally they are a pale pinky red when ripe, but some trees can produce yellow fruit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Photo courtesy of Habitat Aid - <a href="https://www.habitataid.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.habitataid.co.uk</a></p>
Cherry Plum
Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a superb addition to an orchard, or used at the edges to create shelter and wildlife-friendly habitat. Naturally growing as a thick, thorny shrub it can be easily pruned into a tree. It provides interest throughout the year, from the pure white blossom which is one of the first to flower in spring, through to the edible small plum-like fruits in early autumn. It is a magnet for wildlife, attracting pollinating insects when there are few other food sources available, as a nesting site for birds, and as an autumn food source for birds and small mammals.
Native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, it has naturalised in the British Isles, and grows well in most soils and sites, except in very wet situations. It does required full sun to thrive, and the sun will help to ripen the fruit to develop the best flavour.
As it is a species, the fruit can vary from plant to plant in terms of size and shape. Generally they are a pale pinky red when ripe, but some trees can produce yellow fruit.
Photo courtesy of Habitat Aid - www.habitataid.co.uk
