Species and varieties in the National Collection of Flowering Cherries at
Keele University
Prunus avium 'Plena'
This fine form of the double-flowered variety of our native cherry Prunus avium has been in cultivation in this country since around 1700.
The masses of white flowers, up to 2cm across, hang down in long drooping clusters; looking like blobs of cotton wool. It flowers through April to early May.
Growing to a height of 15 to 20m with a spread 10m it is not really suitable for the smaller garden. It tolerates clayey soil and, while completely hardy, seldom produces fruit.
RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993, reconfirmed 2012.
Location
- Widely planted; the avenue illustrated is along the road to the Nursery, by Barnes Hall.