Cherry plumPrunus cerasifera

Cherry plum

Cherry plums

1. Prunus orientalis
2. Prunus myrobalana f. divaricata
3. Prunus cerasifera var. atropurpurea
4. Prunus cerasifera var. orientalis
5. Prunus cerasifera subsp. georgica
6. Prunus cerasifera subsp. caspica
7. Prunus caspica
8. Prunus cerasifera var. elegans
9. Prunus divaricata f. purpusii
10. Prunus cerasifera subsp. nairica
11. Prunus orientalis var. pamiralaica
12. Prunus sogdiana var. eximia
13. Prunus divaricata f. woodii
14. Prunus cerasifera var. myrobalana
15. Prunus cerasifera f. woodii
16. Prunus cerasifera subvar. pissardii
17. Prunus cerasifera f. subglobosa-putaminata
18. Prunus domestica subsp. cerasifera
19. Prunus cerasifera var. ovaliputaminata
20. Prunus pissardii
21. Prunus cerasifera subsp. divaricata
22. Prunus cerasifera var. moseri
23. Prunus cerasifera var. crisica
24. Prunus cerasifera var. luteocordata
25. Prunus myrobalana var. serotina
26. Prunus divaricata f. elegans
27. Prunus myrobalana var. pissardii
28. Prunus pissardii var. moseri
29. Prunus cerasifera var. stenodrunacea
30. Prunus divaricata subsp. nairica
31. Prunus cerasifera var. szarvasiensis
32. Prunus alpestris
33. Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii
34. Prunus cerasifera var. turcomanica
35. Prunus cerasifera var. taurica
36. Prunus sogdiana var. depruinosa
37. Prunus cerasifera angustifolia
38. Prunus sogdiana var. punicea
39. Prunus cerasifera var. nigroglobata
40. Prunus orientalis var. excelsior
41. Prunus communis subsp. divaricata
42. Armeniaca sogdiana
43. Prunus cerasifera subsp. pontica
44. Prunus cerasifera subsp. turcomanica
45. Prunus cerasifera f. ovalidrupacea
46. Prunus cerasifera woodii
47. Prunus cerasifera var. iranica
48. Prunus cerasifera var. csongradensis
49. Prunus cerasifera f. purpusii
50. Prunus sogdiana var. atrata
51. Prunus cerasifera f. subglobosa-drupacea
52. Prunus cerasifera var. divaricata
53. Prunus myrobalana
54. Prunus domestica var. myrobalana
55. Prunus myrobalana f. purpurea
56. Prunus myrobalana var. gigantea
57. Prunus divaricata f. atropurpurea
58. Prunus pissardii purpusii
59. Prunus cerasifera f. spaethiana
60. Prunus divaricata f. nigra
61. Prunus cerasifera f. pendula
62. Prunus cerasifera var. acutifolia
63. Prunus sogdiana
64. Prunus sogdiana subsp. conoidea
65. Prunus orientalis var. flava
66. Prunus sogdiana subsp. prunoidea
67. Prunus cerasifera var. eucerasifera
68. Prunus cerasifera f. nigra
69. Prunus orientalis var. uzbekistanica
70. Prunus myrobalana var. arbutifolia
71. Prunus cerasifera elegans
72. Prunus divaricata subsp. turcomanica
73. Prunus mirobalanus
74. Prunus monticola var. pubescens
75. Prunus domestica var. myrobolana
76. Prunus cerasifera purpurea
77. Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea
78. Prunus cerasifera f. stipitata
79. Prunus cerasifera subsp. macrocarpa
80. Prunus cerasifera subsp. borealicaucasica
81. Prunus myrobalana roseaplena
82. Prunus divaricata subsp. borealicaucasica
83. Prunus cerasifera subsp. orientalis
84. Prunus myrobalana var. ligustrifolia
85. Prunus divaricata f. pendula
86. Prunus cerasifera subsp. pissardii
87. Prunus sogdiana var. citrina
88. Prunus caspica subsp. foveata
89. Prunus orientalis var. popovii
90. Prunus myrobalana f. cerasifera
91. Prunus cerasifera f. elegans
92. Prunus domestica var. cerasifera
93. Prunus cerasifera subsp. myrobalana
94. Prunus cerasifera subsp. iranica
95. Prunus divaricata var. pontica
96. Prunus myrobolana var. pissardii
97. Prunus cerasifera var. pumila
98. Prunus cerasifera subsp. sogdiana
99. Prunus cerasifera f. plano-subglobosa-drupacea
100. Prunus monticola
101. Prunus cerasifera moseri
102. Prunus cerasifera var. bonamenta
103. Prunus cerasifera var. luteoglobata
104. Prunus myrobalana rubraplena
105. Prunus sogdiana subsp. arkytensis
106. Prunus cerasifera gracilis
107. Prunus myrobalana f. pissardii
108. Prunus divaricata subsp. caspica
109. Prunus sogdiana var. mirabilis
110. Prunus pissardii florepleno
111. Prunus cerasifera var. georgica
112. Prunus cerasifera var. pendula
113. Prunus divaricata
114. Prunus cerasifera subsp. taurica
115. Prunus divaricata var. nairica
116. Prunus cerasifera var. nairica
117. Prunus mirabilis
118. Prunus cerasifera subsp. myrobolana

1. myrobalan plum
2. myrobalan

1. myrobalan plum
2. myrobalan

1. Türkenkirsche
2. Türkische Kirsche
3. Därgelkersch
4. Sterninkel
5. Kringelbaum
6. Krete
7. Wasserlatsche
8. Kriacherl

1. Prunus cerasifera
2. cherry plum
3. myrobalan plum
4. myrobalan

Rose family

1. Prunus domestica

1. Fruit

The cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera), also known as myrobalan plum, is a versatile fruit tree that makes a good impression in the garden both as a robust fruit producer and as an attractive ornamental shrub or hedge. Its early and abundant spring blossoms are an important nectar source for bees, and its small, sweet-tart fruits are a welcome addition to the kitchen.

Cherry plum is undemanding and grows in many soils, but prefers sunny locations with deep, well-drained soil. It is very winter hardy, but late frosts can damage early blossoms and reduce fruit set. Regular pruning promotes the health and yield of the tree.

Cherry plums are harvested from June to August. Ripe fruits detach easily from the stem and are ideal for fresh consumption, but also excellent for jams, jellies, juices, and compotes. The pits should not be consumed.

1. Taskpruning

   Label

   Winter Pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb, bei frostfreiem Wetter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thinning and shaping for older trees.

1. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant Young Trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb, bei frostfreiem Boden

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Water roots well before planting and prepare planting hole.

2. Taskfertilizing

   Label

   Spring Fertilization

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Incorporate compost or organic all-purpose fertilizer into the root area.

3. Taskpruning

   Label

   Formative Pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionBei jungen Bäumen, vor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For good crown development and fruit set.

1. Taskpest_disease_control

   Label

   Pest and Disease Control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   ConditionRegelmäßig während der Wachstumsperiode

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Pay special attention to aphids and fungal diseases.

1. Taskwatering

   Label

   Watering during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionBei anhaltender Trockenheit, besonders für junge Bäume und während der Fruchtentwicklung

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Water deeply to reach the roots.

2. Taskmulching

   Label

   Mulching

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionNach dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Start Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionFrüchte sind reif und lösen sich leicht vom Stiel

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest regularly to avoid overripe fruits.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Main Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionFrüchte sind reif

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Ideal for fresh consumption, jam, or juice.

2. Taskpruning

   Label

   Summer Pruning

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionNach der Ernte

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thinning and corrections to keep the crown open.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   End Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionAlle reifen Früchte geerntet

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Process remaining fruits.

1. Tasksoil_care

   Label

   Soil Care

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   ConditionNach der Ernte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove fallen leaves and possibly sow a green manure.

1. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant Young Trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11

   ConditionNach dem Laubfall, vor dem ersten Frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Autumn planting promotes good establishment in spring.

1. Taskwinter_protection

   Label

   Apply Winter Protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   ConditionVor dem ersten starken Frost, besonders für junge Bäume

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Protect trunk from frost cracks and animal browsing.

Full sun to partial shade

A sunny location promotes fruit development and ripening. Partial shade is tolerated but may reduce yield.

Sheltered to moderately windy

Open, sunny

Deep, loamy-humus

Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Loose, well-drained

Good

Cherry plum is adaptable but thrives best in nutrient-rich, deep soils without waterlogging.

Medium to high

Regularly during dry periods

Deep watering

Especially important for young trees and during fruit development. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

Medium feeder

Compost, organic all-purpose fertilizer

Annually in spring

Balanced nutrient supply promotes growth and fruit formation. Avoid over-fertilization.

As a perennial fruit tree, the cherry plum is not part of crop rotation in vegetable beds.

1. Slugiron_deficiency

   Name

   Iron Deficiency

   Description

   Young leaves turn yellow, while veins remain green (chlorosis).

   Severitylow

   Affected parts

   1. Young leaves

   Conditions

   1. High soil pH
   2. Calcareous soils
   3. Waterlogging

   Prevention

   1. Maintain soil pH in optimal range
   2. Ensure good drainage

   Organic control

   1. Foliar feeding with iron chelate
   2. Improve soil with acidic compost or rhododendron soil

   Notes

   Often a problem of availability in the soil, not a lack of iron itself.

2. Slugnitrogen_deficiency

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Description

   Leaves turn pale green to yellowish, growth is stunted, fruits remain small.

   Severitymedium

   Affected parts

   1. Older leaves
   2. Entire plant
   3. Fruits

   Conditions

   1. Nutrient-poor soil
   2. Leaching during heavy rain

   Prevention

   1. Regular organic fertilization (compost, horn meal)
   2. Green manure

   Organic control

   1. Quick application of organic nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., nettle liquid manure)
   2. Incorporate compost

   Notes

   A slight deficiency is often unproblematic, severe deficiency reduces yield.

Soil analysis can help accurately determine nutrient deficiencies. Organic fertilization prevents many deficiencies.

1. Sluglate_frost_damage

   Name

   Late Frost Damage to Blossoms

   Description

   Early blossoms freeze during late frosts, leading to low or no fruit set.

   Severityhigh

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Young fruits

   Conditions

   1. Early flowering period
   2. Sudden frost after warm periods

   Prevention

   1. Site selection (sheltered)
   2. Choose late-flowering varieties
   3. In case of announced frost: fleece cover or sprinkling

   Organic control

   1. No direct cure, only prevention and damage limitation

   Notes

   Cherry plum blossoms very early, making it susceptible to late frosts.

2. Slugpoor_fruit_set

   Name

   Poor Fruit Set

   Description

   Few or no fruits develop despite flowering.

   Severitymedium

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits

   Conditions

   1. Late frost
   2. Lack of pollination (missing bees)
   3. Nutrient deficiency
   4. Water shortage

   Prevention

   1. Attract pollinators (flowering plants)
   2. Adequate water and nutrient supply
   3. Late frost protection

   Organic control

   1. See prevention measures

   Notes

   Often a combination of several factors. Good site selection and care are crucial.

Many problems can be avoided through optimal site conditions and adapted care.

1. Sucking insects (aphids)
2. Fruit pests (moths)
3. Leaf-eating caterpillars (winter moth)

1. Fungal diseases (Monilia, Shot hole)
2. Physiological disorders (Gummosis)

1. Site-appropriate planting
2. Balanced nutrient supply
3. Regular, professional pruning
4. Good garden hygiene (removing fallen leaves and infected plant parts)
5. Promoting beneficial insects
6. Avoiding stress factors (drought, waterlogging)

Observe the plant regularly for changes in leaves, shoots, blossoms, and fruits. Look for the presence of pests or unusual discolorations and growth patterns. If unsure, photos and a precise description of symptoms can aid in diagnosis.

1. Slugaphids

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Young shoots
   3. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Promote beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
   2. Balanced fertilization (avoid excess nitrogen)
   3. Regular inspection

   Organic control

   1. Rinsing with strong water jet
   2. Neem oil
   3. Soapy water
   4. Introduction of beneficial insects
2. Slugplum_fruit_moth

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Pheromone traps for monitoring
   2. Remove and destroy infested fruits early
   3. Promote beneficial insects (earwigs)

   Organic control

   1. Use of Trichogramma wasps
   2. Spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (against young larvae)
3. Slugwinter_moth

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   Affected parts

   1. Buds
   2. Leaves
   3. Blossoms

   Prevention

   1. Apply sticky bands (October/November) to prevent females from climbing
   2. Promote beneficial insects (birds)

   Organic control

   1. Hand-picking caterpillars for minor infestations
   2. Spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis
4. Slugmonilia_fruit_rot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Humid weather
   2. Fruit injuries

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Remove and destroy infected fruits early
   2. Adequate thinning for good ventilation
   3. Avoid fruit injuries

   Organic control

   1. Remove all infected plant parts
   2. Spraying with horsetail broth for strengthening
5. Slugshot_hole_disease

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Humid weather
   2. Poor ventilation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Fruits
   3. Shoots

   Prevention

   1. Remove and destroy infected leaves
   2. Adequate thinning
   3. Choose resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Spraying with copper preparations (limited in organic farming)
   2. Strengthening with plant decoctions (e.g., horsetail)
6. Sluggummosis

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Frost cracks
   2. Pruning wounds
   3. Bark beetle infestation
   4. Fungal infections
   5. Waterlogging

   Affected parts

   1. Trunk
   2. Branches
   3. Twigs

   Prevention

   1. Careful pruning
   2. Winter protection for young trees
   3. Good site selection
   4. Avoid waterlogging

   Organic control

   1. Cleanly cut out affected areas to healthy wood
   2. Wound sealants (controversial)
   3. Address underlying cause (e.g., improve drainage)
7. Sluglate_frost_damage

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Early flowering period
   2. Sudden frost after warm periods

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Young fruits

   Prevention

   1. Site selection (sheltered)
   2. Choose late-flowering varieties
   3. In case of announced frost: fleece cover or sprinkling

   Organic control

   1. No direct cure, only prevention and damage limitation
8. Slugpoor_fruit_set

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Late frost
   2. Lack of pollination (missing bees)
   3. Nutrient deficiency
   4. Water shortage

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Attract pollinators (flowering plants)
   2. Adequate water and nutrient supply
   3. Late frost protection

   Organic control

   1. See prevention measures

1. Symptom

   Leaves and young shoots are sticky, often covered with small green or black insects.

   Possible causes

   1. aphids

   First checks

   1. Check undersides of leaves and shoot tips.
   2. Look for ladybugs or their larvae.
2. Symptom

   Fruits show brown, rotten spots with concentric spore cushions.

   Possible causes

   1. monilia_fruit_rot

   First checks

   1. Remove and examine infected fruits.
   2. Check for blossom blight on shoots.
3. Symptom

   Leaves have small, reddish-brown spots that later fall out, leaving holes.

   Possible causes

   1. shot_hole_disease

   First checks

   1. Check leaves for typical spots and holes.
   2. Check ventilation of the tree crown.
4. Symptom

   Resin exudation from trunk or branches.

   Possible causes

   1. gummosis
   2. frost_cracks
   3. bark_beetle_infestation
   4. fungal_infections

   First checks

   1. Examine the site of gum exudation for injuries or cracks.
   2. Check bark for boreholes or fungal infection.
5. Symptom

   Blossoms are brown and withered, fall off, no fruit development.

   Possible causes

   1. late_frost_damage
   2. monilia_blossom_blight

   First checks

   1. Check weather data for flowering period (night frosts).
   2. Examine blossoms for fungal spores or discoloration.
6. Symptom

   Despite abundant flowering, few or no fruits develop.

   Possible causes

   1. poor_fruit_set
   2. late_frost_damage
   3. lack_of_pollination
   4. nutrient_deficiency
   5. water_stress

   First checks

   1. Check weather conditions during flowering.
   2. Observe bee activity.
   3. Check soil for moisture and nutrients.

1. Flowering (March-April)
2. Fruit set (April-May)
3. Fruit development (May-June)
4. Fruit ripening (June-August)

Cherry plum flowers very early in the year, often before leafing out, which makes it susceptible to late frosts. Fruits ripen progressively over several weeks.

March to April

White

The blossoms appear before the leaves and are often very numerous, making the tree an attractive sight in spring.

June to August

Hand-picking, as fruits ripen progressively and fall easily when fully ripe.

10-50 kg per tree, depending on age and variety.

Regularly over a period of 2-4 weeks, as fruits do not ripen simultaneously.

1. Fruits are soft and yield to gentle pressure
2. Detach easily from the stem
3. Have an intense color (yellow, red, or purple, depending on variety)
4. Sweet-sour aroma

Handle fruits carefully to avoid bruising. Cool quickly and process or store.

Short-term (a few days)

Cool and dark, ideally in the refrigerator.

Short-term

1-2 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator.

1. Jam
2. Jelly
3. Juice
4. Compote
5. Fruit puree
6. Drying
7. Freezing
8. Preserving in alcohol

1. Jam and jelly
2. Juice
3. Compote

1. Fruit tarts
2. Desserts
3. Brandy
4. Fruit wine
5. Chutney

Cherry plum has a refreshing, sweet-tart flavor that varies with ripeness and variety. It is versatile in the kitchen, both raw and cooked.

Sweet-tart, aromatic, sometimes slightly astringent.

Juicy, soft flesh with firm skin.

1. Eat raw
2. Cooking (jam, compote)
3. Baking (cakes, crumbles)
4. Juicing

1. Fruit flesh

1. Seeds (pits)

Cherry plum seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed in large quantities. They should not be eaten.

Yes, ripe fruits can be eaten raw.

Extract seeds from ripe fruits, clean thoroughly, and dry. Then subject to cold stratification.

Germination can be erratic and requires patience. Cherry plum often grows true from seed, but cultivated varieties are usually grafted.

Cold-moist stratification for 2-4 months at 1-5°C (e.g., in moist sand in the refrigerator).

Sow in spring after stratification. Germination can take several weeks to months and is often not synchronous.

1. bush_tree
2. half_standard
3. standard_tree
4. fan_training

Cherry plum is a versatile woody plant that can be cultivated as a large shrub or a tree. The choice of rootstock and training system significantly influences size, growth habit, and yield.

The early and abundant blossoms of the cherry plum are an important food source for bees and other early-flying insects. The fruits serve as food for many bird species and small mammals. The tree also provides nesting sites and shelter.