St. Lucie Cherry
prunus mahaleb
Also known as: ["Madonna Cherry","Pied Cherry","Mahaleb Cherry"]
Overview
A small deciduous tree or large shrub native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, known for its fragrant white flowers and small, hard cherries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus mahaleb |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near large windows with direct sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) for optimal growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once in spring, water before applying, use half-strength liquid fertilizer if needed.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), partial shade.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to shape branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape the tree, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water thoroughly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; potential for frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from cold winds; move potted plants to sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrients, apply fertilizer, water thoroughly, monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus mahaleb are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can result in cyanide poisoning, causing severe respiratory and neurological complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus mahaleb are toxic to dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause cyanide poisoning, leading to severe health issues such as respiratory failure and neurological damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus mahaleb contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to severe physiological effects including respiratory distress and potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Prunus mahaleb edible?
A: The cherries are edible but very hard and not typically consumed raw; they are sometimes used in liqueurs or as a flavoring.
Q: Does Prunus mahaleb attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Prunus mahaleb toxic to pets?
A: Mildly toxic; ingestion of leaves, bark, or seeds can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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