sweet cherry
Prunus avium
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size30 to 35 feet tall25 to 35 feet wide
- Habit
- Columnar
- Bloom season
- Spring, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) is a columnar tree for borders, food gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. White flowers open in early to late spring and again in early to late autumn. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit the tree. It is grown for its edible fruit.
Pairs well with Common snowdrop, Winter aconite, Ivy-leaved cyclamen, and Rose.
Native range
Europe to Afghanistan and Northern Africa.