Prunus  'Montmorency'
tree

Montmorency Cherry

Prunus 'Montmorency'

$96.95
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Productive for 15-20 years

Native To

Europe and southwest Asia

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus cerasus, or sour cherry, is a small deciduous tree cultivated for its tart fruit, which is ideal for pies, preserves, and juices. It produces a cloud of white blossoms in spring. 'Montmorency' is the most popular sour cherry variety in North America, prized for its large, bright red fruit with firm yellow flesh and clear juice. It is reliably self-pollinating and highly productive.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe tree offers significant multi-season interest, from the profusion of pure white spring blossoms to the glossy red fruit in summer and pleasant yellow fall color.
Practical UsesIt is the quintessential 'pie cherry,' providing a large harvest of tart fruit perfect for baking, canning, jams, and juices. Being self-fertile, only one tree is needed for fruit production.
Ecological BenefitsSpring blossoms provide an important early nectar and pollen source for bees and other pollinators. The fruit is eagerly consumed by birds if not netted.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$96.95
In Stock$97.95
In Stock$136.11

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with full sun, good air circulation, and well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
  3. Create a small mound in the center and spread roots over it.
  4. Position the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil line.
  5. Backfill with native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
  6. Water deeply and mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Paint the lower trunk with white latex paint diluted with water to prevent sunscald and borer damage, especially on young trees.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent water, especially during fruit development.
  • Prune annually to maintain an open, vase-like shape for light and air.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases and act promptly.
  • Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.

Don't

  • Do not plant in a low-lying frost pocket.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which causes weak growth.
  • Do not allow grass or weeds to compete with the tree's base.
  • Never prune in the fall, as it encourages tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive home orchard centerpieceBeautiful spring-flowering specimen treeFunctional element in an edible landscape

Companion Plants

Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) Lavandula angustifolia Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Trifolium repens (White Clover)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Montmorency Cherry questions

What zones can Montmorency Cherry grow in?

Montmorency Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Montmorency Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Montmorency Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Montmorency Cherry bloom?

Montmorency Cherry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Montmorency Cherry need full sun?

Montmorency Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Grow Montmorency Cherry with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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