Shrub · Rosaceae family
European dwarf cherry
Prunus fruticosa
In short a 10-second read
European dwarf cherry (shrub) grows to 0.5–1.5 m tall and 1–2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in April–May; the flowers are white. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 1–2 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average
Soil: loamy, gravelly, sandy
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 5–10 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
April–May · white
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (June–August).
Planting
container plant: October–April
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 European dwarf cherry flower?
In April–May; the flowers are white.
Does European dwarf cherry tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does European dwarf cherry need?
At maturity 1–2 m wide and 0.5–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Does European dwarf 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 (13)
- GBIF — Prunus fruticosa
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Prunus fruticosa
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Silver leaf
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow shrubs
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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