Cherry Tree Buying Guide
How to choose the right cherry tree
Few trees capture the beauty of spring quite like a cherry tree. Their delicate blossom brings colour to the garden after winter, while fruiting varieties offer the added pleasure of picking sweet, homegrown cherries during summer.
Perhaps you're planting a fruit tree for your family, looking for a beautiful flowering tree for your garden or choosing a meaningful gift to celebrate someone special. Whatever brings you here, there's a cherry tree to suit different spaces, growing conditions and occasions.
Our cherry tree buying guide will help you understand the differences between fruiting, flowering and native cherry trees. We'll explore varieties, rootstocks, pollination and planting advice, so you can choose a tree that feels right for your garden or the person receiving it.
Should you choose a fruiting or flowering cherry tree?
One of the first decisions when buying a cherry tree is whether you'd like to grow edible fruit or enjoy the beauty of ornamental blossom.
Fruiting cherry trees are cultivated for their harvests. They usually produce white spring blossom, followed by cherries during summer. Some varieties are sweet enough to eat straight from the tree, while others are better suited to cooking and preserving.
Ornamental cherry trees are grown primarily for their flowers, graceful shapes and seasonal foliage. Their blossom can range from delicate white to deep pink, with some varieties producing spectacular double flowers or elegant weeping branches.
Although some ornamental cherries produce small fruits, they're not generally chosen for edible harvests.
Fruiting cherry trees for homegrown harvests
There's something particularly satisfying about growing cherries in your own garden. From watching the first blossom appear to picking ripe fruit in summer, fruiting cherry trees bring a wonderful sense of anticipation to the growing season.
Sweet cherries are generally enjoyed fresh, while sour cherries are traditionally used for cooking, jams, pies and preserves.
If you're choosing a fruiting cherry tree, think about the flavour you prefer, the tree's mature size, its pollination requirements and when the fruit will ripen.
Flowering cherry trees for ornamental beauty
Flowering cherry trees make beautiful garden features, bringing seasonal colour, elegant shapes and a sense of renewal each spring.
Some are naturally compact, making them suitable for smaller gardens and patios. Others develop broad canopies or graceful weeping branches that create a striking focal point.
When choosing an ornamental cherry, consider its flower colour, mature size, growth habit and autumn foliage. These details can make all the difference to how the tree fits into your garden.
Choosing a fruiting cherry tree variety
Several cherry varieties grow successfully in British gardens, although they differ in fruit size, flavour, cropping season and eventual height.
Stella cherry trees for sweet summer fruit
The Stella Cherry Tree is a popular choice for gardeners who want a reliable dessert cherry.
In spring, clusters of white blossom appear across the branches, followed by large, sweet, dark red cherries that usually ripen in July.
Stella is self-fertile, which makes it particularly useful for gardeners who only have space for one fruiting cherry tree. It can produce fruit without another cherry variety nearby, although suitable growing conditions and visits from pollinating insects remain important.
Stella is available on different rootstocks, including Colt and Gisela 5, allowing gardeners to choose a tree suited to their available growing space.
Sunburst cherry trees for larger dessert cherries
The Sunburst Cherry Tree is another lovely dessert variety, known for producing large, sweet cherries with a rich, dark red colour.
Its white spring blossom is followed by fruit during midsummer, making it a rewarding addition to a sunny garden.
Sunburst is also self-fertile, so it can produce a harvest without a second cherry tree. Its vigorous growth means mature size and rootstock should be considered carefully before planting.
For gardeners who enjoy picking fruit fresh from the tree, Sunburst offers both ornamental beauty and a delicious summer harvest.
Sweetheart cherry trees for a later harvest
If you'd like to enjoy cherries later in the summer, the Sweetheart Cherry Tree is worth considering.
Sweetheart produces attractive spring blossom followed by sweet, red cherries that generally ripen later than Stella and Sunburst.
It's another self-fertile variety, making it suitable for gardens where only one cherry tree can be planted.
Growing several varieties with different ripening times can help extend your harvest and bring more enjoyment to the garden throughout summer.
Morello cherries for cooking and preserving
Morello is a traditional sour cherry variety, valued for its rich flavour when cooked. Its fruit is particularly suitable for jams, pies, sauces and preserves.
Unlike sweet cherries, Morello can tolerate a position with less direct sunshine, making it useful for some gardens where a sunny planting space is limited.
Morello is self-fertile and can be trained against a suitable wall, although good soil, moisture and regular care are still important.
If you're considering several fruiting varieties, browse our cherry trees for sale to explore the options currently available.
Choosing an ornamental flowering cherry tree
Ornamental cherry trees are loved for the beauty of their blossom and the way they mark the arrival of spring. Their flowering period may be brief, but it can become one of the most memorable moments in the gardening year.
Different varieties offer different shapes, flower colours and seasonal interest, so it's worth choosing one that complements your garden.
Cheal's weeping cherry for graceful pink blossom
The Cheal's Weeping Cherry Tree is a beautiful ornamental variety with gently arching branches and clusters of double pink blossom in spring.
Its graceful shape makes it particularly attractive as a focal point in a small garden, front lawn or sheltered courtyard.
After flowering, bronze-green foliage brings summer interest before taking on warmer tones in autumn. During winter, the bare, weeping branches continue to provide an elegant shape.
This variety is a lovely choice if you're looking for a tree that brings softness and structure to the garden.
Mini flowering cherry trees for patios
For smaller outdoor spaces, the Mini Flowering Cherry Tree, Prunus 'Kojo-no-Mai', is a charming option.
Its naturally compact growth and delicate spring blossom make it particularly suitable for patios, courtyards and smaller garden borders.
In spring, the branches carry pale pink flowers that gradually open to reveal their soft colour. Autumn brings another attractive display as the foliage changes before falling for winter.
With suitable care, this compact cherry can grow successfully in a large container, making it an appealing choice for gardeners with limited space.
Dwarf Japanese flowering cherries
The Dwarf Japanese Flowering Cherry Tree offers the beauty of a traditional ornamental cherry in a more manageable form.
Its soft pink and white spring blossom brings gentle colour to the garden, followed by green summer foliage and warm autumn tones.
Although described as dwarf, these trees still develop over time and need suitable space for their roots and branches. Always check the individual variety's mature height and spread before planting.
Native wild cherry trees for larger gardens and wildlife
The Wild Cherry Tree, Prunus avium, is a beautiful British native species often found growing naturally in woodland edges, hedgerows and the countryside.
In spring, clusters of delicate white blossom appear before the leaves fully develop, providing a valuable early food source for pollinating insects.
During summer, wild cherries produce small fruits that are particularly attractive to birds. Although the fruit is edible when ripe, it can be bitter and is generally less suitable for eating fresh than cultivated dessert varieties.
As autumn approaches, the leaves develop warm shades of orange, red and gold, adding another season of interest.
Wild cherry trees can become substantial specimens, so they're best suited to larger gardens, woodland planting and naturalistic landscapes where they have room to mature.
Explore our wild cherry trees for sale for native planting projects.
Understanding cherry tree rootstocks and sizes
One of the most important things to understand when buying a fruiting cherry tree is its rootstock.
Most cultivated cherry trees are grafted onto a separate root system. This influences their eventual height, vigour and suitability for different growing spaces.
A cherry variety grown on a dwarfing rootstock may be suitable for a smaller garden, while the same variety on a more vigorous rootstock could eventually become a much larger tree.
Gisela 5 rootstock for smaller gardens
Gisela 5 is a semi-dwarfing cherry rootstock that helps restrict growth, typically producing trees around 3 to 4 metres tall, depending on the variety, growing conditions and pruning.
It's a useful choice for smaller gardens and can also be suitable for large containers when given enough root space and regular care.
Gisela 5 trees may require permanent support, particularly when grown in exposed locations or containers.
Colt rootstock for larger gardens
Colt is a semi-vigorous rootstock that produces a more substantial cherry tree.
Without restrictive training, trees on Colt can eventually reach around 6 to 8 metres tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
This makes Colt better suited to medium and larger gardens where the tree has room to develop a broader canopy.
Colt can also be used for trained forms, but these require regular maintenance to keep their growth under control.
Which cherry rootstock should you choose?
- Gisela 5: Semi-dwarfing, typically around 3–4 metres tall. A useful choice for smaller gardens and suitably maintained containers.
- Colt: Semi-vigorous, potentially around 6–8 metres tall. Better suited to larger gardens and more substantial planting schemes.
These heights are approximate. The final size of a cherry tree depends on its variety, growing conditions and how it's trained and pruned.
Ornamental cherries are often selected for their natural growth habit rather than fruiting rootstock, so always check the mature size listed for the particular variety.
Do cherry trees need another tree for pollination?
Pollination is an important consideration when buying a fruiting cherry tree, particularly if you only have room for one.
Some cherry varieties are self-fertile, while others require pollen from a different compatible variety to produce fruit.
Self-fertile cherry trees
Self-fertile cherry trees can produce fruit without a second compatible cherry variety nearby.
Stella, Sunburst and Sweetheart are examples of self-fertile dessert cherries, making them useful choices for gardeners with limited space.
Morello sour cherry is also self-fertile.
However, self-fertility doesn't guarantee a harvest. Pollinating insects, suitable temperatures and favourable weather during blossom all influence fruit production.
Cherry tree pollination groups
Cherry varieties that are not self-fertile need pollen from a compatible variety flowering at a similar time.
Cherry trees are grouped according to their flowering periods, but compatibility also depends on the varieties involved. Simply planting two different cherry trees doesn't always guarantee successful pollination.
If you're planning a small orchard or choosing several fruiting varieties, check their pollination requirements before ordering.
Choosing cherry trees for different garden sizes
Cherry trees for patios and smaller gardens
If you have limited outdoor space, compact ornamental cherry trees and fruiting varieties on suitable dwarfing rootstocks can be rewarding choices.
Mini flowering cherries such as Prunus 'Kojo-no-Mai' are naturally compact and particularly attractive for patios and smaller garden borders.
For edible cherries, look for a variety grown on a suitable dwarfing rootstock, such as Gisela 5.
If growing in a container, choose a substantial pot with drainage holes and enough room for healthy root development. Container-grown trees need regular watering and feeding, particularly during the warmer months.
Cherry trees for medium and larger gardens
With more space available, you can consider larger fruiting varieties, ornamental cherries with spreading canopies or trees with distinctive weeping shapes.
A larger garden might accommodate a Stella or Sunburst cherry for fruit, alongside an ornamental variety chosen for blossom and autumn colour.
Native wild cherries are particularly suited to substantial gardens and naturalistic planting schemes, where their mature size and wildlife value can be fully appreciated.
Before planting, consider the tree's eventual height and spread, its distance from buildings and neighbouring plants, and how much shade it may create as it matures.
Planting several cherry trees
Planting several cherry trees can create a beautiful spring display or provide a longer fruiting season, depending on the varieties you choose.
For a fruiting garden, consider combining varieties with different harvesting periods. Stella and Sunburst provide summer fruit, while Sweetheart can extend the harvest later into the season.
If you're creating a larger planting scheme, allow suitable spacing between trees and check that each variety has the growing conditions and room it needs.
Explore our garden trees for sale for additional planting options, or contact our team if you're planning a larger order.
Choosing a cherry tree as a meaningful gift
Cherry trees have a special place in the traditions of many cultures. Their spring blossom is often associated with renewal, beauty and the passing of time, making them a thoughtful choice for life's important moments.
Unlike cut flowers, a living cherry tree can return in bloom each spring, becoming part of someone's garden and the memories they make there.
Cherry trees for birthdays and anniversaries
An ornamental cherry tree can be a lovely way to celebrate a birthday, wedding anniversary or new home.
Its blossom brings a sense of occasion to the garden, while the changing seasons provide something to look forward to year after year.
For someone who enjoys gardening and homegrown produce, a fruiting cherry such as Stella or Sunburst could be a particularly thoughtful choice.
Cherry trees for remembrance and reflection
The fleeting beauty of cherry blossom can carry a gentle meaning when remembering someone special.
A flowering cherry planted in a quiet part of the garden offers a place to pause, reflect and remember. Its returning blossom can become a comforting reminder of the connection that remains.
For these occasions, consider a variety suited to the recipient's available space and growing conditions, so the tree can be enjoyed and cared for comfortably over time.
Choosing a cherry tree for the recipient's garden
Before sending a cherry tree as a gift, think about the size of the recipient's garden and whether they would prefer blossom, edible fruit or a smaller tree for a patio.
A mini flowering cherry may be particularly suitable for someone with limited outdoor space, while a larger ornamental or fruiting variety might be appreciated by an experienced gardener.
It's also worth checking the presentation and delivery details on the individual product page. Larger trees may be supplied in substantial nursery pots rather than traditional gift wrapping.
Explore our cherry tree gifts to discover available varieties for birthdays, anniversaries, new homes and moments of remembrance.
When is the best time to plant a cherry tree?
Autumn and early spring are generally good times to plant hardy cherry trees, when the soil is workable and the tree isn't under the demands of active summer growth.
Container-grown cherry trees can also be planted at other times of year, provided the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged and regular watering can be maintained during establishment.
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Fruiting cherries particularly benefit from plenty of sunshine, which helps the fruit ripen properly.
Avoid planting in areas where water regularly collects, as cherry trees dislike persistently waterlogged ground.
Late spring frost can damage cherry blossom, so a sheltered position away from severe frost pockets is particularly helpful for fruiting varieties.
How to care for your cherry tree
Watering and feeding
Newly planted cherry trees need regular watering while their roots establish, especially during warm, dry weather.
Container-grown trees usually need more frequent attention because their roots have access to a limited amount of compost and moisture.
An appropriate fruit tree fertiliser can support healthy growth when applied according to the product instructions. Adding organic mulch around the base of a garden-grown tree can also help retain moisture and reduce competition from weeds.
Keep mulch away from the trunk to avoid unnecessary moisture against the bark.
Pruning cherry trees
Cherry trees are generally best pruned during the growing season, often in summer after harvesting or flowering, rather than during winter dormancy.
Summer pruning helps reduce the risk of diseases such as silver leaf and bacterial canker, which can enter through pruning wounds.
The amount of pruning required depends on the variety and its growth habit. Fruiting cherries may need occasional shaping, while ornamental weeping varieties are often best left to develop their natural form with minimal intervention.
Always check the care requirements for your particular cherry tree before pruning.
Protecting fruit from birds
Cherries are popular with garden birds, and ripe fruit can disappear remarkably quickly once it begins to colour.
If you're hoping to enjoy your harvest, consider using a suitable fruit cage or securely fitted, wildlife-safe netting. Check any netting regularly to ensure birds and other animals cannot become trapped.
Fruit should be picked when fully ripe, as cherries do not continue to ripen in the same way as some other fruits after harvesting.
Looking after cherry trees through winter
Cherry trees are deciduous, meaning they naturally lose their leaves during autumn and remain bare through winter.
This is a normal part of their seasonal cycle. A cherry tree arriving without leaves during the dormant months is not necessarily unhealthy.
Young trees and container-grown specimens may benefit from additional protection during prolonged severe weather, particularly where their roots are exposed to freezing temperatures.
For more practical advice on planting, watering, pruning and seasonal care, read our cherry tree care guide.
Frequently asked questions about buying cherry trees
What is the best cherry tree for a small garden?
For edible fruit, a self-fertile cherry tree on a dwarfing rootstock such as Gisela 5 can be a good choice. For ornamental blossom, naturally compact varieties such as Prunus 'Kojo-no-Mai' are particularly suitable for smaller spaces.
Can I grow a cherry tree in a pot?
Yes. Compact ornamental cherries and some fruiting varieties on dwarfing rootstocks can grow successfully in large containers. Choose a substantial pot with good drainage and provide regular watering, feeding and suitable root space.
Do I need two cherry trees to produce fruit?
Not always. Stella, Sunburst and Sweetheart are self-fertile varieties that can produce fruit without another cherry variety nearby. Other cherries may need a compatible pollination partner, so check before buying.
How long does a cherry tree take to produce fruit?
This depends on the variety, rootstock and age of the tree when planted. Some established trees may produce fruit relatively soon, while younger trees can take several growing seasons to develop reliable crops.
Do flowering cherry trees produce edible cherries?
Ornamental cherry trees are selected primarily for their blossom and form rather than fruit production. Some produce small fruits, but these are generally not suitable for the kind of harvest you'd expect from a cultivated dessert cherry. If you want cherries to eat, choose a dedicated fruiting variety.
When do cherry trees flower in the UK?
Most cherry trees flower during spring, generally between March and May, depending on the variety, local climate and seasonal weather. Some ornamental varieties, including winter-flowering cherries, can produce flowers outside the main spring season.
Will my cherry tree arrive with blossom or fruit?
Not necessarily. Cherry trees change naturally throughout the year. Blossom usually appears in spring, fruit develops during summer, and deciduous varieties lose their leaves in autumn. The appearance of your tree will depend on its variety and delivery season.
Find the right cherry tree for your garden or gift
Whether you're hoping to enjoy homegrown cherries, bring beautiful blossom into your garden or choose a living gift for someone special, the right cherry tree is one that suits its surroundings and the years ahead.
Think about the space available, the mature size of the variety and what you'd most like to enjoy from your tree. With suitable planting conditions and a little ongoing care, a cherry tree can become one of the most rewarding features of a garden.
Explore our fruiting cherry trees for sale for Gardeners Club planting, or browse our cherry tree gifts to discover ornamental varieties chosen for their beauty and meaning.
For more help choosing trees, visit our tree and plant buying guides or explore our fruit tree buying guide to discover other varieties suited to your garden.