Description
Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is not widely used as a hedging plant - but it certainly should be! Growing as a thick, thorny shrub it provides interest throughout the yar, 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.
An excellent hedge plant in its own right, but also makes a fantastic addition to a mixed hedge when added to quickthorn, sloes and dog roses.
