Prunus cerasifera: Cultivation and Care
El Prunus cerasifera, commonly known as red plumIs a small tree or large shrub that can grow up to Meters 8 under optimal conditions. This tree belongs to the family of Rosaceae and is highly valued for its ornamental appeal, in addition to offering edible fruits. It can also be associated with the purple-leaved plum tree.
The bark of this tree is smooth and dark in color, with a multitude of open, ascending branches. Its crown is spherical, making it an excellent choice for beautifying gardens and parks. One of the most notable aspects of the Prunus cerasifera It's your beautiful foliage and its spectacular flowering.
The leaves of the Prunus cerasifera They are deciduous, meaning they fall off during periods of drought. These leaves grow alternately and can be entire or slightly serrated. They have an elliptical shape and are purple in color, which adds aesthetic value to any landscape and allows for comparison with other Prunus.
The flowering of the Prunus cerasifera It is one of the most attractive features of this tree. The flowers, which are pink, appear at the end of the branches just before the leaves emerge. This flowering occurs between late winter and early spring and, although they are small, they present a unmatched beauty with its five prominent petals and stamens.
Growing Conditions for Prunus cerasifera
Climate and Location
El Prunus cerasifera thrives best in climates temperate, although it can also tolerate colder conditions. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant this tree in a location where it receives full sun o semi-shadowIt is worth noting that this tree needs at least one season of cold in winter to flower and produce fruit properly, similar to others fruit trees.
Ideal Soil
This tree is not particularly demanding on the type of soil, but prefers those that are well drained, slightly clayey and rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 5,5 and 6,5 It is ideal for him Prunus cerasiferaSoils that retain too much water can be harmful and cause problems such as fungal diseases, which can also affect other plants in the garden.
Irrigation
Watering should be moderate; it is important to maintain the Humidity of floor, especially during the period of fruit formation. However, the Prunus cerasifera It is drought resistant, so it does not need to be overwatered. It is recommended to cover the soil with organic mulch to conserve moisture and improve soil quality, which is a common practice in the trellis cultivation.
Prunus cerasifera care
Fertilization
El Prunus cerasifera It does not require excessive fertilization, but it is advisable to fertilize it once a year, in spring, with organic matter such as humus, compost o manure to ensure good growth and development. This care is key to maintaining its health and fruitfulness, similar to other fruit trees such as nectarine.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the shape and size of the tree. It is recommended to perform a light training pruning in early autumn. This will help control its growth and encourage flowering. It is important to remove dead or diseased branches to keep the tree healthy, a process similar to that used in the mirabelle cultivation.
Plagues and diseases
El Prunus cerasifera It is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be attacked by aphids, mealybugs y royaMaintaining good garden hygiene and regularly inspecting the tree can help prevent infestations. In case of infestations, treatments with organic insecticides or insecticidal soaps, turning the garden into a healthier space for all plants.
Reproduction of Prunus cerasifera
The spread of Prunus cerasifera can be carried out by seeds, cuttings o grafts. Sowing seeds should be done in spring, making sure that they are cold stratified before sowing. This technique may be a little slower compared to other reproduction methods, similar to those used in the apricot trees.
Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in late summer and planted in wet substrates, ensuring proper propagation and growth. Grafting, which is often used to combine different plum varieties, is the most common technique for obtaining trees with specific characteristics, such as improved fruit quality or disease resistance. This approach also applies to other fruit trees such as cerezo.
Uses of Prunus cerasifera
El Prunus cerasifera It is primarily used for ornamental purposes, but its fruit production also makes it valuable in agriculture. It can be grown in small gardens and parks, where its attractive foliage and flowers provide a considerable aesthetic valueIts features make it comparable to others fruit trees.
Its fruits are edible and can be used to make jams, liqueurs and other derived products. However, it is important to consider that the flavor of the fruits can vary and is not always as sweet like that of other plum varieties, which can influence its harvest, similar to the experience with other dryland cropsSome people choose not to harvest the fruit, as they prefer to keep the tree as a ornamental plant.
