Cherry 'Penny'

'Penny' is a relatively modern and highly esteemed black dessert cherry that has become a favourite for UK orchards and gardens. It is a late-season variety, typically ripening in late July or early August, which helps extend the cherry season after 'Stella' has finished. The fruits are exceptionally large, firm, and a deep, dark red-black color. They possess a sweet, rich flavour and are less prone to skin splitting during wet weather than many older varieties. The tree is vigorous and has an upright habit, becoming more spreading with age. While not self-fertile, it is a fantastic partner for many other cherry varieties. Its spring blossom is a cloud of white, providing excellent nectar for early pollinators. To thrive, it requires a sunny, sheltered site and deep, fertile, well-drained soil. It is fully hardy across the UK (H6), though bird protection via netting is often essential once the fruit begins to colour.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.