Introduction:

The Black Rum Cherry Tree (Prunus serotina), also known as Black Cherry, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America. Known for its clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring, this tree produces small black cherries in the summer that are loved by birds and wildlife. It is a hardy and adaptable tree that thrives in USDA Zones 3-9, making it an excellent choice for landscapes, wildlife gardens, or ornamental purposes. The Black Rum Cherry Tree's attractive bark, glossy green foliage, and wildlife benefits make it a valuable addition to any large landscape.

Plant Summary:

• Size: Grows to a height of 50-80 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall.
• Flowers/Fruit: Clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by small, black cherries in summer.
• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded growth habit with an open canopy.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, loamy soils but adapts to other soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
• pH Level: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.5).
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches.
• Pests/Diseases: May be susceptible to leaf spot, caterpillars, or aphids.

Pollination:

The Black Rum Cherry Tree is self-fertile, meaning it does not require a second tree for fruit production. However, planting more than one cherry tree can enhance pollination and increase fruit yields. Its white spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it beneficial for the health of nearby plants and fruit trees.

Key Benefits:

• Attractive white flowers in spring that provide visual interest and fragrance.
• Fruit-bearing, producing small, black cherries loved by birds and wildlife.
• Fast-growing and hardy, thriving in a wide range of soil conditions.
• Great for wildlife and naturalized landscapes.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first few years after planting. Drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil Type: Grows best in well-drained, loamy soils but adapts to sandy or clay soils.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, reaching maturity in 20-30 years.
• Max Height/Width: Reaches 50-80 feet in height and 30-50 feet in width.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove deadwood.

Why You'll Love It:

The Black Rum Cherry Tree offers beauty, function, and wildlife benefits. Its fragrant white blossoms in spring and small, black cherries in summer make it a standout in any landscape. Birds love the cherries, making this tree an excellent choice for naturalized or wildlife-friendly gardens. Its fast growth and hardiness make it easy to grow and care for.

Planting Tips:

Plant your Black Rum Cherry Tree in early spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regular watering during the first few years will help the tree establish a strong root system.

Flower Color:

White clusters in spring.

Plant Class:

Fast-Growing Fruit-Bearing Tree

Plant Name:

Black Rum Cherry Tree

Shipping Details:

Your Black Rum Cherry Tree will be shipped as a bare root plant, 2-3 feet in height, carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in optimal condition. Bare root trees are shipped during dormancy to promote successful transplanting and establishment in your landscape.

Key Information for Black Rum Cherry Tree – Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Prunus serotina (Prunus serotina):

• 📏Size: Black Cherry is a medium to large deciduous tree that can reach a height of 50-100 feet (15-30 m) and a spread of 25-50 feet (7.6-15 m).
• 🍂Foliage: The foliage of Black Cherry is deciduous and elliptic to lance-shaped, turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
• 🌼Flowers & Fruit: In late spring to early summer, Black Cherry produces small, white flowers in long, cylindrical clusters. The flowers are followed by small, pea-sized, dark purple to black fruits that are sweet and attract birds and wildlife.
• ↕️Growth Habit: Black Cherry has a pyramidal to oval crown with ascending branches.
• ☀️Sunlight: Black Cherry thrives in full sun and prefers open, sunny sites.
• 🪨Soil: Black Cherry prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.
• 🗺️Hardiness: Black Cherry is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
• 🧪pH Level: Black Cherry prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
• 🌳Pruning: Pruning of Black Cherry should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased branches and prune to maintain a central leader.
• 🐛Pests & Disease: Black Cherry is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to black knot and cherry leaf spot. Regular care can prevent and manage potential issues.

Pollination of Black Rum Cherry Tree – Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Prunus serotina (Prunus serotina):

Black Cherry flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts. The flowers are insect-pollinated and attract bees and other pollinators. The small, dark fruits that follow are a favorite food source for birds and wildlife. Humans also use the cherries for making jams, pies, and beverages like cherry brandy. The tree's wood is highly prized for its strength and rich color, often used in fine furniture and cabinetry. Black Cherry is an essential tree species for various wildlife, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. The tree's ecological significance makes it a valuable component of forest ecosystems and natural habitats. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage Black Cherry forests are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting wildlife populations. The tree's cultural significance and economic value also underscore the need for conservation and responsible forestry practices.

Fertilization

It is generally recommended to wait to fertilize a bare root plant until it has been established in the ground and is actively growing. This can vary depending on the type of plant and the growing conditions, but it is generally best to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after planting.

During the first year, you should focus on providing the plant with the right amount of water, sunlight and soil to help it become established. Once the plant has become established and is actively growing, you can begin to fertilize it.

You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one that is specifically formulated for the type of plant you have. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.

It is also important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants, so it's always best to error on the side of caution and start with a lower amount of fertilizer and increase as needed.

Why Buy From Us?

Welcome to our online bare root plant nursery! We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable bare root trees, nursery plants, and garden plants for sale. We understand the importance of having a beautiful garden, which is why we only offer the highest-quality plants at an affordable price.

Our selection of bare root trees, shrubs, and plants includes a wide variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial flowers, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and more. We carry tree varieties and tree types that are perfect for every type of garden, whether you're looking for fast growing trees, drought-tolerant trees, cold-hardy trees, native trees, or exotic trees.

Our bare root trees are superior to potted trees because they are easy to plant and establish quickly, plus they are more cost-efficient. They are carefully selected and grown to ensure they are healthy, and ready to thrive in your garden.

We also have a large selection of seedlings, including tree seedlings, which are perfect for those who want to grow their own trees from scratch. Our affordable trees are quality trees that are sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment in your garden.

At our wholesale nursery, we also offer bulk pricing for those who want to purchase a large number of trees for their own landscaping business, park, or other commercial project. Contact us directly for wholesale requests.

Our online nursery makes it easy for you to shop for the perfect plants from the comfort of your own home. And with our fast and reliable shipping, you can have your bare root trees, shrubs, and plants delivered right to your door.

We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure they arrive to you in good condition. And with our easy-to-plant trees, tree saplings, and step-by-step instructions for tree planting, you'll be able to get your new additions in the ground in no time.

Thank you for choosing our online bare root plant nursery. We are confident that you will be completely satisfied with the quality and selection of our plants. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect plants for your garden, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Shipping Schedule for Bare Root Trees & Shrubs

Nursery Trees

Dates shown above are approximate and can change without notice.  We're sorry, but nursery trees cannot be shipped to AK, HI, or territories, or countries outside the U.S. This is due to the agricultural laws within these locations.

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