Apricot and Sour cherry are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus armeniaca 4 m × 4 m after 10 years
A fruit tree that covers itself in white to pink blossom in early spring before the leaves, then gives fragrant fruit from early to midsummer that…
Prunus cerasus 4 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
Sour cherry is a smaller and less demanding fruit tree than sweet cherry: it flowers later, so spring frost takes the crop less often, and it copes…
Sour cherry is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Apricot.
Sour cherry needs less care than Apricot.
|
Feature
|
Apricot
|
Sour cherry
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Fruit | Fruit |
| Size after 10 years | 4 m × 4 m | 4 m × 3.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–8 m × 3–6 m | 3–8 m × 3–6 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, white, pink | April–May, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 500 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €34 | approx. €34 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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