Prunus avium ‘Plena’

‘Plena’ is the double-flowered form of our native wild cherry. In mid-spring it carries long-lasting clusters of pure white double flowers that hang in loose tassels along the branches, giving a softer and more abundant look than the single-flowered species.

It grows into a medium-large tree, eventually around 12m tall, with a graceful spreading habit. Leaves turn warm yellow, orange and red tones in autumn, and the reddish-brown bark with peeling bands of horizontal lenticels is handsome through winter.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It’s a tough tree that copes with a range of soils and conditions, and it holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Prune in midsummer only, if at all, to avoid silver leaf.

A proper statement tree for a larger garden, parkland, or boundary planting.