Black Cherry Plum for Sale

The Black Cherry Plum (Prunus nigra) is one of those plants that earns its space twice over: first as a spectacular ornamental, and then as a productive fruit bearer. In late winter — often before any other deciduous tree in the garden has shown a sign of life — it erupts into masses of delicate pink to white blossom that is among the most beautiful of any fruiting tree. Then, from November into December, it produces clusters of small, round, deep red to near-black fruit with juicy, sweet-tart flesh that makes outstanding jams, jellies, compotes and preserves.

With a low chilling requirement, this is one of the most adaptable stone fruit trees for South African gardens — suitable for warmer positions where high-chilling peach, pear and plum varieties frequently fail to produce satisfactory crops. It handles a wide range of conditions, from the warmer parts of Gauteng and the Western Cape coastal regions down to the subtropical eastern parts of the country.

A self-fertile tree, it will produce fruit from a single planting without needing a cross-pollinating partner nearby. Annual winter pruning is recommended to maintain shape and productivity. A beautiful, practical and low-maintenance addition to any garden.