Cherry ‘Stella’

‘Stella’ is an exceptional, self-fertile, sweet cherry, which typically produces a bumper crop of large, dark red fruits, which can be eaten straight from the tree in midsummer. A vigorous grower, it is initially quite upright in habit, but it will soon start to spread out as it matures – and it’s noted for its ability to start cropping at a young age (often within 2-3 years after planting). It makes a good pollinator for other cherries, and its pretty white flowers put on a gorgeous display in spring. All in all it’s a top choice for either the kitchen or ornamental garden.

Stone fruits like the plum should be pruned in the summer because they are prone to a disease called silver leaf which enters through cuts. If you prune in late summer, the sap is slowing but is still running fast enough to seal up any wounds. Check and remove any damaged, diseased or broken branches.