Prunus avium

For thousands of years, the radiant, pure white blossoms of this native cherry have brought vitality to our countryside. These distinctive flowers grace our hedgerows, parks and urban spaces throughout the UK. Not only are they a visual delight, but their sweet fragrance also acts as a beckoning call to numerous bees, offering an excellent initial source of nectar whilst facilitating the crucial pollination process.

In spring, the leaves unfurl a vibrant, healthy green that carries a bronzed effect. The adaptability of these leaves to varying sunlight conditions is noteworthy, growing larger in shady areas to capture maximum light, and smaller but thicker in direct sun to concentrate and enhance photosynthesis. A unique identifier is the presence of two distinct red nodes at the base of the leaves petiole. As autumn approaches, leaves transform into mellow shades of butter and crimson red before falling.

Along the branches, deep dark cherry fruits, approximately 2cm in diameter develop. Slightly more tart than sweer cherries, these fruits are perfect for culinary creations such as jams, marmalades, and cherry pie crumbles. Notably, they also contain the natural sleep hormone melatonin. This cherry variety serves as an ideal addition to green verges within housing developments and pubic open spaces, bringing seasonal charm to these environments.

Hillier also grows the ‘Plena‘ cultivar, the French variety from the 1700’s. ‘Plena’ boasts an abundance of double blossoms that gracefully weigh down the branches, creating arches of creamy wonder.