Prunus tomentosa - 40-60 CM C4

Description
The Downy cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is an upright small shrub with decorative, red fruits. These are small. It produces white, wheel-shaped flowers in April. The Downy cherry also has hairy, egg-shaped, dark green leaves. In a sunny location with sandy, loamy soil, it usually reaches a height of around 1.5 metres and grows to around 1 metre wide.

Bulletpoints
* Fruit ornamentation * the flowers are heavily favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * attractive orange-yellow autumn colouring

leaves
The deciduous leaves of Downy cherry are dark green, ovate, hairy, alternate, serrated. Downy cherry is bright orange-yellow in autumn.

Spread
China to Korea.

Frost hardiness
The Downy cherry has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Downy cherry is an upright growing small shrub. It usually reaches a height of 1 - 1.5 m and is approx. 0.8 - 1 m wide. It usually grows 20 - 75 cm per year.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The white, wheel-shaped flowers appear in April.

Fruit
The red drupes of Prunus tomentosa are particularly decorative. These appear from June and are small.

Use
Ornamental shrub, bee pasture, bird food plant, small/foreground garden, jam

Shoots
The shoots of Prunus tomentosa are tomentose.

Root
Prunus tomentosa is a heartroot.