The Cherry-Plum has resulted from crosses made in the late 1800's and early 1900's between Sand cherry, Prunus besseyi with the Japanese plum, Prunus salicina. Afterwards varieties were also developed by crossing cherry-plums with other cherry- plums. Plant breeders desired a fruit robust enough to withstand the intense winters of the northern Great Plains.

Even if you can not grow plums or cherries due to late frosts or to intense winter temperatures, you might be able to grow cherry-plums. It will tolerate temperatures well below -50°C when the plant is fully dormant.

The Cherry plum is a deciduous, small, fruit bearing tree that reaches 2-3 meters in height at maturity. Flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by Insects. Cherry-plum isn't self-fertile and cross-pollination is essential, so plant at least one or two different varieties from the same pollen group.

As an alternative, pollination can be achieved with a Native American or Manchurian plum, Prunus salicina mandscurica. The Cherry plum Fruit is small, plum-like usually consumed fresh, but is not as good quality as a true plum. However, it makes a slightly astringent but very tasty jelly.

Tree propagation is by cuttings, half-ripe wood is often easy to root, or by grafting. The tree's life span is 10-15 years. It can grow in semi-shade or full sun. It needs a sandy loamy moist well drained soil and can tolerate drought. Fruiting normally takes place in 2-3 years after planting. Cherry-plum is a member of the family Rosaceae the genus Prunus.

Deep Purple Cherry-plum is the most in demand variety of Cherry-plums. It is large size, over 3cm, meaty and with a small stone. Skin and flesh is purple with sweet pleasant flavor ripen at the destruction of summertime. Unlike other varieties the plant has a bow down growing habit, but could be trained upright for a more tree-like shape.

Other varieties are: Compass Cherry-plum with a yellow-red fruit, sweet, juicy yellow flesh and the Sapalta Cherry-plum with medium-sized fruit, juicy sweet, dark purple skin and flesh and virtually freestone.

Cherry-plum

Interested on Fruit and Nut Bearing Trees and Plants? Stay Tuned. There is Much More to Come.

The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.