Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A beautiful native cherry with clouds of white spring blossom, glossy summer foliage and rich autumn colour, followed by small fruits loved by birds.

 Key characteristics:

• Showy white spring blossom
• Warm autumn colour
• High wildlife value

• Ideal for: Large gardens, wildlife planting and an impressive flowering specimen
• Seasonal interest: Spring blossom; summer fruit; autumn foliage
• Flower colour: White; April–May
• Fruit colour and season: Small red to dark red cherries; June–July
• Foliage autumn colour: Green leaves turning orange and red in autumn; attractive reddish-brown bark

PLANTING ADVICE

Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.

• Support / Staking : Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.

CARE

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.
• Pruning: Prune only if necessary, during dry weather from midsummer to early autumn, to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and avoid winter pruning.
• Ongoing care: Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
• Safety: Ornamental tree. The ripe flesh may be eaten by wildlife, but stones, leaves and stems should not be consumed. Fallen fruit may stain or create a slip hazard on hard surfaces. Keep children and pets from chewing leaves, stems or fruit stones. Supervise around newly planted and staked trees.

VERVE RECOMMENDS...

For best results, plant with Verve Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost and feed with Verve Growmore Fertiliser to encourage strong roots, healthy growth and vibrant foliage.