Black Cherry Plant Care
Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Prunus serotina, commonly called black cherry, wild black cherry, rum cherry, or mountain black cherry, is a deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family Rosaceae. Despite its common names, it is not very closely related to commonly cultivated cherries.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–90°F
40–70%
What Is the Black Cherry?
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Black Cherry is native to the Americas. Black Cherry is also known as Wild Cherry, Rum Cherry, Black Choke Cherry.
Black Cherry displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 15 inches. Black Cherry produces showy clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Cherry?
Prunus serotina requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Black Cherry Need?
Black Cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Black Cherry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black Cherry Prefer?
Prunus serotina grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 90°F. Black Cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Cherry?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Black Cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Black Cherry?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Black Cherry?
Black Cherry can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cherry blossom tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Black Cherry Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Toxic to humans if ingested, non-toxic to pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Black Cherry?
Black Cherry is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Keep exploring plants
Black Cherry is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Prunus genus — compare its care with other Prunus species on PlantoScan.
Black Cherry tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Prunus Species
Other Prunus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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