Cherry plum and Japanese flowering cherry are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus cerasifera 4.5 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
In gardens it is grown almost only in its purple-leaved forms: a small ornamental tree with a rounded crown that is covered in pale pink, scented…
Prunus serrulata 4 m × 3 m after 10 years
A small ornamental tree grown for its spring blossom: in April and May it is smothered for a week or two in pink or white flowers, single or double…
Cherry plum is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Japanese flowering cherry.
|
Feature
|
Cherry plum
|
Japanese flowering cherry
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small tree | Small tree |
| Size after 10 years | 4.5 m × 3.5 m | 4 m × 3 m |
| Ultimate size | 5–9 m × 3–7.5 m | 3–10 m × 1–7.6 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, pink, white | April–May, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 500 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €27 | approx. €32 |
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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