Species

Prunus aviumSweet Cherry

3 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Stella Cherry

Prunus avium 'Stella'

$53.95

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.

Uses & Benefits:

Sweet cherry trees are exceptionally beautiful in spring, covered in a cloud of fragrant white blossoms. The tree has an attractive shape and the glossy green leaves turn shades of yellow and orange in the fall.

The primary practical benefit is the harvest of delicious, sweet cherries, perfect for eating fresh, baking, or preserving. As a self-fertile variety, 'Stella' allows for a harvest from just a single tree, ideal for home gardens.

The profuse spring flowers are a major food source for bees and other pollinators. The fruit is beloved by birds, and the tree itself provides habitat and cover.

SpeciesPrunus aviumSweet Cherry

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.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$53.95

PlantingTree

In Stock$104.95

Nature Hills

In Stock$110.27

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

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

Productive home orchard treeBeautiful spring-flowering specimenBackbone of an edible landscape

Companion Plants

Comfrey Chives Marigold Dandelion Lavender

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).