Whether in a well-kept front yard, heath or rose garden - the winter cherry cuts a fine figure everywhere. It is also easy to plant.
The winter cherry (Prunus subhirtella), which is sometimes also referred to as snow cherry, can only radiate its unique charm in your home hobby garden if you have previously provided the correct environmental conditions. As the following list shows, the winter cherry can be planted and used in many different ways:
- as house tree
- in a single position as a decorative solitaire
- as part of beds
- in larger areas (e.g. in parks where the autumn colors come into their own)
We'll tell you everything you need to know about planting winter cherries in the further course.
What kind of location does the winter cherry love?
A sunny location suits the winter cherry very well, so that it can thrive there. The snow cherry, on the other hand, does not like waterlogging or too much shade. You should therefore avoid such unfavorable conditions by using the appropriate drainage.
In addition, a sheltered location is ideal. For example, the winter cherry can be planted wonderfully near a protective wall. One of the reasons why this is so important is that the open snow cherry blossoms can withstand a maximum of light frosts without damage.
Soil and substrate for the winter cherry
A loamy, humus-rich soil is a very good choice if the winter cherry is to be planted in your own garden. Provided a sunny location is available, the plant does well in almost all cultivated garden soils. However, if you want to ensure optimal site conditions, avoid acidic soil and instead pay attention to the following soil conditions:
- nutrient rich
- fresh to moist
- calcareous (the winter cherry is a very calcareous plant)
Since the winter cherry is a so-called deep rooter, the plant benefits from soil that is not too compacted. If deep penetration is not possible because the ground is too dense, thePlant other ways. It then spreads its roots across the plain. However, this means that the snow cherry, for example, needs much more time to grow properly. In addition, the shallow roots, which spread very widely, can become a problem for surrounding plants.
Tip:
If you want to plant this deep-rooted plant in a bucket on the balcony or terrace, you should ideally make sure that the bucket is as high as possible . This leaves enough space for the winter cherry to take root in the depths. This promotes the growth of the plant immensely.
Helpful Tips for Planting Winter Cherry
❍ Variety selection:
Hobby gardeners who only have limited space in their garden should rely on one of the small varieties when planting the winter cherry. Because a tree six meters high would quickly look out of place in a small allotment garden and overshadow all other plants. Incidentally, the winter cherry gains around 40 centimeters in height every year, so it doesn't take long for the snow cherry to overshadow most of the plants around it.
You can also plant snow cherries in tubs. In this case, however, you should choose one of the winter cherry varieties that grow shorter and less wide. These varieties have been specially marked. Especially when planting the winter cherry in a bucket, you must ensure adequate drainage, which you can bring about with the help of potsherds, for example.
❍ Planting time:
In principle, the snow cherry can be planted in your own garden all year round. This applies above all to container goods, which are easy to get in well-stocked specialist shops. However, it is better if you plant the winter cherry in late autumn or winter. In general, planting is recommended during a leafless season, which runs from late autumn to early spring.
Since the flowering period of the plant extends from March to April, you should definitely plant the winter cherry in good time so as not to miss the first blossom. If you plant the snow cherry in the garden in winter, it should definitely be a frost-free day. In addition, you must water the plant regularly so that it can grow very well. However, this should also only be done on frost-free days.
❍ Planting distance:
As a solitary plant, the winter cherry can grow four to six meters tallreach. This must therefore be considered when choosing a suitable location for this pretty ornamental tree. The small tree can measure a full five meters in width, so that a planting distance of around three meters on all sides makes sense.
Planting winter cherries - explained step by step
If you follow these instructions, you can hardly go wrong when planting the winter cherry. They also make a decisive contribution to the splendid growth of the snow cherry.
Step 1:
Water the snow cherry root ball sufficiently before planting.
Step 2:
Now dig a large planting hole, preferably twice the depth and width of the winter cherry root ball.
Step 3:
If the soil is heavily compacted, it must be loosened deep down to ensure ideal planting conditions.
Step 4:
Be sure to mix in small pebbles or coarse sand for a looser soil.
Step 5:
Use soil that you have enriched with extra compost for lining.
Step 6:
Now create a special drainage layer.
Step 7:
Only then insert the root ball in the middle of the planting hole.
Step 8:
Now fill the remaining planting hole with particularly nutrient-rich soil to provide the winter cherry with many valuable nutrients.
Step 9:
Now carefully muddy the soil with water. You may then have to top up with more soil, which in turn will need to be filled in again.
The last step requires a little finesse. Please do not use too much water to avoid waterlogging. The winter cherry does not like that at all. Therefore, it is better to add water little by little. Repeat the last step until the planting hole is completely filled with sludge soil. However, do not trample the soil, as this would lead to an unwanted compaction of the soil, which the snow cherry does not appreciate at all compared to most other plants.
The winter cherry can now grow best if you pay attention to a constant level of moisture. The plant must never swim in a puddle of water. Incidentally, you do not have to fertilize the winter cherry after planting.