Duke Cherry

Prunus x gondouinii Schnee is the most attractive form of Duke Cherry, featuring lustrous and large green leaves that provide a stunning autumnal display of gold and orange hues. Its densely branched crown starts as a narrow vase shape but matures into a more flattened, spherical form, making it a graceful addition to any landscape.

This small, rounded tree is a cross between Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus. While not commonly planted, it has considerable merit and thrives in gardens, parks, and street plantings.

The dark green, oval-to-obovate leaves grow to a size of 5–9 cm, contributing to its lush appearance throughout the growing season. Before the leaves emerge in late April and early May, 'Schnee' produces many large, pure white single flowers grouped in charming bundles of up to 10 blooms each. This prolific flowering creates a breathtaking display of elegance.

Prunus x gondouinii Schnee grows best in free-draining soils and has proven its ornamental value, as evidenced by a historic avenue of these trees in Battersea Park, London.

Mature height: 3-7m

Common names

Duke Cherry

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees, Urban

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Garden

Genus

Prunus