Prunus avium 'PLENA' flowering cherry

This flowering cherry originated in France already in 1700. That is a success to see that a variety so old still finds its place among new and hyper modern selections. Well done! This is a medium sized tree with stunning blossoms. They are pure white, fully double, and appear in profusion from mid April for about 3 weeks. They are sterile i.e. no fruit is produced thereafter. Deciduous leaves are typically cherry-like, i.e. deep green, finely serrated at margins, 7-10 cm long, and turning golden orange and copper red in autumn.

The canopy is very regular and upright growing when young, becoming rounded with age, always well and evenly branched without any pruning. If you still need to prune it do so immediately after flowering but do not cut into old wood.

Flowering cherries are not too fussy about soil type but will do best in constantly moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in full sun. They can take frost and wind, and remember to stake freshly planted trees well to a support for the first couple of years. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 02-05-2016