Tree · Rosaceae family
bird cherry
Prunus padus
In short a 10-second read
Bird cherry (tree) grows to 10–15 m tall and 6–10 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in May; the flowers are white. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 6–10 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, clay
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May · white
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (June–August).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does bird cherry flower?
In May; the flowers are white.
Does bird cherry tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does bird cherry need?
At maturity 6–10 m wide and 10–15 m tall; recommended spacing 600 cm.
Does bird cherry survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (16)
- GBIF — Prunus padus
- Okrasné škôlky (SK) — Listnaté stromy
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- Van den Berk Nurseries - Prunus padus
- RHS - Watering
- RHS - Prunus padus
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Silver leaf
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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