Bird Cherry 'Watereri'

'Watereri' is perhaps the finest cultivar of our native Bird Cherry, distinguished by its exceptionally long, drooping racemes of almond-scented white flowers that can reach up to 20cm in length. Blooming in late spring, these flowers are a magnet for bees and hoverflies. The foliage is a healthy mid-green, turning reddish-orange in the autumn. Small, bitter black fruits follow the flowers, which are highly prized by birds. This tree has a spreading, rounded habit and is faster growing than many other ornamental cherries. It is extremely hardy (H7) and particularly well-suited to the cooler, damper climates of northern England and Scotland where other Prunus species might struggle. It is not fussy about soil type, thriving even in heavy clay or damp (but not waterlogged) ground. It makes a beautiful specimen tree for a medium-to-large garden, offering a more naturalistic, woodland aesthetic than the formal Japanese flowering cherries. Bark is smooth and dark grey.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam or clay.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May.