
Stella Cherry
Prunus avium 'Stella'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
216 inches
Width
156 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
15-25 years
Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Toxicity
Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Prunus avium, the sweet cherry, is a deciduous tree grown for its beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit. Most older varieties require a cross-pollinator to produce fruit. 'Stella' was a breakthrough cultivar, being one of the first high-quality, self-fertile sweet cherries. It produces large, heart-shaped, dark red cherries with excellent flavor and is a reliable producer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun, good air circulation, and fertile, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and just as deep.
- For bare-root trees, create a mound of soil in the hole to spread roots over.
- Position the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil line.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly and apply a trunk guard to protect from sunscald and rodents.
Pro Tip
Prune cherry trees in late summer after harvest, not in winter, to minimize the risk of infection from bacterial canker and silver leaf disease.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for at least 8 hours a day.
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
- Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.
- Maintain an open center pruning structure for good light and air penetration.
Don't
- Don't plant in a low-lying frost pocket where late frosts can damage blossoms.
- Avoid planting in heavy, wet clay soil.
- Don't prune in winter or during wet weather.
- Don't allow grass and weeds to compete at the base of a young tree.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Stella Cherry questions
What zones can Stella Cherry grow in?
Stella Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Stella Cherry deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Stella Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Stella Cherry bloom?
Stella 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 Stella Cherry need full sun?
Stella Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).
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