What soil does Cherry plum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Cherry plum hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Cherry plum toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Cherry plum be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Cherry plum flower?

Flowering: March–April, pink, white.

How much water does Cherry plum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Cherry plum cost?

It sells for roughly €8 to €120 in local shops, depending on size.

Cherry plum

Prunus cerasifera

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €8.

Illustration of Cherry plum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 blossom in early spring as the leaves open and keeps its dark purple foliage until leaf fall. In summer it ripens a light crop of dark red, edible plums 2 to 3 cm across, good fresh or for jam, though it is not worth planting for the fruit alone. It is not fussy about soil and copes well with city air, but the foliage only stays really dark in full sun. It is not a long-lived tree and is prone to several fungal diseases, so give it an airy position.

Watch out for

It is a short-lived tree with brittle wood, and it shares the diseases of stone fruit: brown rot (Monilia) causes shoot dieback after flowering and fruit rot, and shot-hole disease, powdery mildew and gumming are common. Cut infected, withered twigs back to healthy wood and clear away fallen diseased leaves. Aphids and winter moth caterpillars attack it regularly. The bark of young trees can split in cold, sunny winters, so protecting the trunk in the first years is worthwhile.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4.5 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, pink, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4.5 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	5–9 m × 3–7.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, pink, white
Harvest	July–August
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €8

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
80-100 cm	approx. €8
90-120 cm	approx. €22
180-200 cm	approx. €40
180-220 cm	approx. €70
200-220 cm	approx. €77
250-300 cm	approx. €120
size not stated	approx. €27 – €34

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Small ornamental trees Fragrant plants Plants with edible fruit

Compare with similar plants

Cherry plum vs Japanese flowering cherry Cherry plum vs Japanese flowering cherry 'Kanzan' Cherry plum vs Kousa dogwood

Looks good next to it

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei

Japanese holly

Ilex crenata

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus