Picking the right spot is the secret sauce for a healthy, thriving tree. Before you know it, your cherry plum (or *Blutpflaume*, as the pros call it) will be wowing you with a stunning display of blossoms. Plus, many varieties serve up a generous harvest of delicious fruit! Here’s everything you need to know about getting this colorful ornamental tree into the ground.
Give your tree plenty of light
These tasty cherry plums love soaking up the sun, though they’ll do just fine in partial shade too. Depending on the variety, they’re perfectly happy in large pots, garden beds, or as a focal point in your yard.
Fall is the prime time to plant
The best time to get your tree in the ground is in the fall once it starts its dormant phase. One quick heads-up: only young trees handle transplanting well. Once a cherry plum or shrub gets older, it really prefers to stay put, so try not to move mature plants.
Spring kicks off the growing season
The cherry plum is an early riser, blooming beautifully from April to May. After the flowers fade, those sweet fruits start to grow, reaching peak harvest time by September.
Propagation happens through grafting
If you’re looking to grow more, keep in mind that these ornamental trees are usually propagated through grafting. Growing them from wild shoots or seeds usually won’t give you the results you’re looking for.
How to plant your cherry plum
Start by digging a hole about twice as wide as the root ball. Once you’ve got your hole, take a moment to loosen up the soil at the bottom and sides.
Pro Planting Tips:
- Mix in some compost or humus—aim for about a one-third mix with your garden soil.
- These little trees are thirsty! They need plenty of water to get their roots established and stay healthy.
- Give them some breathing room by keeping at least 3 feet (100 cm) of space between them and neighboring plants.
Tips for container-grown trees
If you bought your tree in a plastic nursery pot, slide it out gently. It’s a good idea to loosen the roots a bit with your hands, then let the entire root ball soak in a bucket of water for a few minutes. This helps the tree take root much faster once it’s in the ground.
After you’ve filled the hole back in with soil, tamp it down firmly with your foot. Adding a layer of mulch on top is a great way to protect the soil and keep moisture in.
Tips for growing in large planters
Want to keep your cherry plum in a pot on the patio? Here’s what you need to know:
- Use a large pot with a volume of at least 10 gallons (40 liters).
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes—nobody likes soggy roots!
- Create a drainage layer at the bottom using a mix of terracotta shards or broken bricks.
- Center the tree in the pot.
- Fill it up with a high-quality potting substrate.
