The bird cherry is a popular hedge plant that also serves as a privacy screen. However, how magnificently it develops depends on the planting.
The bird cherry (Prunus padus) belongs to the rose family. The plant got its name from the grape-like arrangement of the flowers and fruits. The attractive hedge plant is also known as marsh cherry or mulberry. The hobby gardener will be able to enjoy the rich flowering of the "wild lilacs" in spring. Due to its dense growth, the bird cherry is very good as a hedge plant and privacy screen. The bird cherry is also well suited for securing embankments. You lay the foundation for he althy growth and thriving of the service tree with the planting, which is why it is so important to pay attention to certain points here.
Plant Description
The bird cherry is characterized by rapid growth. The deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 15 meters. A bushy growth is also possible. The shrubs also grow up to ten meters high and are characterized by overhanging branches. The natural growth form of the bird cherry is slender to conical. In older plants, the crown takes on a more arched shape. The trunk appears almost straight and has a diameter of about 60 centimeters.
The age of the plant is between 60 and 80 years. Bird cherries have a smooth, dark gray rind. Cracks in the bark only appear on old plants. The leaves are about ten centimeters long and are slightly hairy. The dark green leaves show an attractive yellow-red autumn colour. The white flowers appear between April and June. The round stone fruits develop from the flowers. These are initially reddish in color and appear black and shiny when ripe. The berries serve as a food source for birds in late summer.
» Tip: The pulp is non-toxic. The core contains toxic hydrogen cyanide.
| Black cherry (Prunus padus) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 40 - 70 cm a year |
| Growth: | 600 - 1000 cm |
| Growth: | 400 - 700 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | moderate |
The Spread of Bird Cherry
The original home of the bird cherry is in North America. Today, bird cherries are also native to Europe, Japan and North Asia. In the Mediterranean area and on the Balkan Peninsula, the plant is missing in Europe. Bird cherries in the wild are mainly found near water bodies and in sparse forests. Most specimens have been found in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anh alt. According to a study by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, there are almost four million black cherry trees in German forests.
Planting black cherries - Here's how it's done
Location:
If we look at the occurrence of the plant in nature, it becomes clear that bird cherries like a rather humid environment. A sunny to partially shaded location is preferred. The plant will feel particularly at home near the garden pond or a natural course of a river. If the bird cherry is to grow as a tree, a lot of space is needed and a solitary position is preferable. If the plant is to grow in the form of a shrub, group plantings are also very good. The location does not have to be too warm. The bird cherry can also stand cool and airy.
Coming soon:
- sunny to semi-shady
- breezy
- Solitary or group planting
- near the water
Substrate:
The plants need fresh, preferably slightly moist soil. Heavy clay soils are less recommended. If the soil is impermeable, the irrigation water cannot drain away and waterlogging occurs, which attacks the roots of the bird cherry and, under unfavorable circumstances, can lead to the death of the plant. The soil should not be too calcareous. However, a slight lime content is tolerated.
Coming soon:
- loose
- breezy
- moist
- humos
- limescale
Planting Instructions:
❶ Select location
❷ Prepare soil
❸ Water plant
❹ Dig planting hole
❺ Upgrade excavation
❻ Plant❼ Press down the soil well
❽ Water the plant well and mulch
❾ Attach support pillars
Once the location has been selected, the first step is to identify theto devote to soil preparation. The soil should be dug up and loosened. Weeds, roots and stones are removed. The bird cherry is watered in the meantime. Place the plant in a bucket of water and wait until no more air bubbles rise. The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball. So that the young plants receive a good basic supply of nutrients right from the start, compost and horn shavings are added to the excavation.
There is no need for drainage in the soil, as bird cherry prefers moist soil. The plant is placed in the center of the planting hole and covered well with soil. Press the soil down well and shake the plant slightly when you fill in the substrate to avoid cavities. After the planting hole has been closed, the plant is mulched and watered well.
» Tip: So that the irrigation water can be absorbed well, you can create a pouring rim that slopes slightly towards the middle.
Young plants are sensitive to wind. You should support the young plant so that storms cannot harm the bird cherry. Three support posts are used for each plant. These should be placed in the ground 30 centimeters apart and connected with wide cords. This support is essential for the first year of standing. Biennial plants should have developed sufficiently and you can remove the buttresses.
» Tip: Check the support regularly. The ropes or ribbons must not be too tight and must not dig into the tree bark.
Stopping the Roots
Black cherries are flat-rooted. The roots of the fast-growing plant are diligently spreading in all directions. The hobby gardener can counteract this by setting up a root barrier. This must be taken into account when planting. Theoretically, you can also supplement the root barrier with older plants. However, the amount of work is much higher than if you already bring in the air- and water-impermeable geotextile during planting. The root barrier is inserted vertically into the ground and fixed with click strips. The roots cannot penetrate the material and there will be no root system chaos in your garden.