What soil does Globe ground cherry grow in?

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

Is Globe ground cherry hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Globe ground cherry be planted?

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

How much water does Globe ground cherry need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

Globe ground cherry

Prunus fruticosa 'Globosa'

Globe ground cherry (Prunus fruticosa 'Globosa') is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to dogs and cats.

Illustration of Globe ground cherry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

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

An ornamental tree grafted on a stem of about two metres, with a dense crown that grows into a regular ball on its own and small dark green leaves. White flowers cover it in April, it turns yellow and orange in autumn and it hardly ever sets fruit. The trunk does not get taller, but the crown fills out to two or three metres wide over the years, so do not plant it too close to a wall or fence. It grows in sun in almost any well-drained soil and does not stand waterlogging.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its main problem is Monilia blossom and twig blight: in wet springs whole branches can die back after flowering, so cut them out to healthy wood and consider protecting an affected crown at bloom time. Aphids and cherry leaf spot also occur. Remove the wild shoots that the rootstock sends out on the stem and at the base.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	3–5 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

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

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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