Prunus padus

Experience the enchanting beauty of Prunus padus, the native Bird Cherry that brings exceptional spring fragrance, graceful form, and valuable wildlife habitat to British gardens with its cascading white blossoms and abundant berries. This outstanding native tree offers multi-season interest—spectacular pendulous racemes of fragrant white flowers that cascade like waterfalls in late spring, glossy black cherries beloved by birds in summer, reliable autumn colour, and a naturally elegant form that suits both formal and naturalistic settings, making this one of our most valuable native ornamental trees.

In late spring, this captivating tree becomes adorned with abundant long racemes of small white flowers, each cluster measuring 10-15cm in length, creating a spectacular display of cascading blossoms that drape elegantly from the branches like delicate lace. The almond-scented flowers fill the garden with sweet fragrance, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in abundance. As spring progresses into summer, small green cherries develop, ripening to glossy black by midsummer—these bitter fruits are eagerly devoured by thrushes, blackbirds, and other songbirds, giving this tree its common name. The foliage of fresh green oval leaves provides elegant presence throughout summer before transforming into warm shades of yellow and orange in autumn. The smooth grey-brown bark with horizontal lenticels adds winter interest.

Native to Ireland, Britain, and across Europe and Asia, this remarkable tree has been part of our landscape for millennia, featuring in folklore and traditional medicine. Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, Bird Cherry thrives in Irish conditions, tolerating a wide range of soil types from heavy clay to sandy loams, handling wet sites better than most cherries, and growing happily in exposed locations. The robust nature and exceptional wildlife value make this an invaluable choice for naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and ecological restoration projects.

Create stunning compositions by planting as specimen trees in lawns where the spring blossom and fragrance can be fully appreciated. Magnificent in woodland gardens and hedgerows where the naturalistic form and wildlife benefits enhance biodiversity, in mixed native plantings, or along streams and damp areas where this tree thrives. Works beautifully combined with other native trees like rowan, hawthorn, and birch for authentic Irish woodland character, or underplanted with native wildflowers, ferns, and bluebells that bloom alongside the white flowers.

Planting: Space trees 8-10m apart for groupings or woodland plantings, or allow 10-12m for specimen placement. Plant bare-root trees from November to March, or container-grown specimens year-round (autumn or early spring is ideal). Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Plant at the same depth as the nursery soil mark. Stake for the first 2-3 years. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including heavy clay, damp sites, and periodically wet conditions—one of the best cherries for moisture-retentive soils. Prefers conditions enriched with organic matter. Avoid only very dry, shallow chalky soils. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure. Tolerates partial shade and exposed sites. Best flowering occurs in full sun.

Container Growing: Not suitable for long-term container growing due to size and vigorous root system. Young specimens can be grown temporarily in very large containers (minimum 80cm diameter) using soil-based compost, but should be planted out within 2-3 years for best long-term health and to achieve full size, flowering potential, and wildlife value.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal pruning—the naturally graceful form develops without intervention. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer, as pruning at other times increases disease risk. Never prune in autumn or winter. Can produce suckers from the base which should be removed if not desired. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture. Water during prolonged dry spells in the first 2-3 years until well established.

Propagation: Propagate from seed collected from ripe berries in summer—clean flesh from seeds, stratify for 3-4 months, and sow in spring. Germination can be slow. Suckers can be carefully separated from parent trees in autumn. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer can root but success is variable. Most gardeners prefer to purchase nursery-grown specimens for guaranteed quality and faster establishment.