The short answer

Quick Answer

Prunus (Flowering Cherry) thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 4 to 10m tall depending on cultivar. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Midsummer, after flowering. Avoid winter pruning

How: Minimal. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches. Cherries bleed sap if pruned in winter

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: East Asia

Native or exotic: Exotic. Wild cherry Prunus avium is the UK native

History: Cherries were brought to UK gardens from Japan in the early 1900s. The cherry trees of London parks mostly date from this era

Folklore: In Japan cherry blossom represents the fleeting nature of life, beautiful and brief

Fun fact: The cherry blossom festival, or hanami, has been celebrated in Japan for over a thousand years

Historical medicinal uses: Cherry stalks were used traditionally as a diuretic. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers, especially single flowered varieties [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Flowers feed bees. Few fruits on ornamental varieties[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers late March to early May depending on cultivar. Some autumn colour[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Underplant with spring bulbs and hellebores

Pest control: Aphids on young shoots. Winter moth caterpillars on flowers

Common diseases and issues: Bacterial canker, silver leaf, cherry leaf scorch. See RHS bacterial canker advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. Some species self-seed gently

CGM care note

We never prune cherries in winter because the sap bleeds and invites disease. We always wait until midsummer after flowering, and we paint any cut over 2cm wide with a wound sealant. Avoid planting in shallow chalk where they can struggle.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Prunus (Flowering Cherry)

How Prunus (Flowering Cherry) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Prunus (Flowering Cherry).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Prunus (Flowering Cherry) (Prunus serrulata, Prunus x yedoensis, Prunus subhirtella, Prunus serrula). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Prunus serrulata, Prunus x yedoensis, Prunus subhirtella, Prunus serrula. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Rosaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Carrasco-Rueda F, Hacket-Pain A (2018). Phenology and fruit production in Rosaceae species. Journal of Ecology, 106(4), 1568-1581.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Rosaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: seasonal_highlight, pollinators, biodiversity_value, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers, especially single flowered varieties") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Flowers feed bees. Few fruits on ornamental varieties") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers late March to early May depending on cultivar. Some autumn colour".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers, especially single flowered varieties"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Prunus (Flowering Cherry)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Flowers feed bees. Few fruits on ornamental varieties") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Prunus (Flowering Cherry)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Rosaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Prunus (Flowering Cherry). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Prunus (Flowering Cherry) performs well locally

Towns where Prunus (Flowering Cherry) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover