Sweet cherry Prunus avium 'Summer Sun' (D)
ABOUT
The 'Summer Sun' sweet cherry tree, which is a cultivar of the common cherry tree typically found in gardens and orchards, boasts a luscious appearance with several easily distinguishable features. During the spring, the tree is adorned with a profusion of white flowers, creating an eye-catching display. As the season progresses, these flowers give way to the fruit for which the tree is cultivated. The cherries are characterized by their vibrant, glossy red skin that encases the juicy, sweet flesh inside. These fruits commonly dangle from the branches in clusters, making them both a tempting treat for wildlife and a popular choice for human consumption. The leaves of the 'Summer Sun' cherry tree provide a lush backdrop to its blossoms and fruits. They are typically green, with a shape that is oblong to elliptic and a texture that ranges from smooth on top to a slightly paler and downy underside. As the seasons change, the foliage offers a visual interest by turning into shades of yellow or orange before falling off in the autumn. The tree's bark is another notable feature, usually grayish and developing a rough, textured surface as the tree matures. In summary, the 'Summer Sun' sweet cherry tree is cherished for its springtime blossoms, delicious summer fruits, and the year-round aesthetic appeal of its foliage and bark.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean.
Common names
Prunus avium 'Summer Sun'
ToxicityTo humans
The sweet cherry is generally not toxic to humans when consumed in the form of ripe fruit. However, the leaves, stems, and seeds contain compounds that can be harmful. The seeds have a compound that can convert into cyanide when ingested in large quantities. Mild symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, confusion, nausea, and digestive discomfort, while more severe symptoms involve difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and possibly fatal consequences if enough cyanide is released in the body.
To pets
Similar to humans, the sweet cherry's ripe fruits are not toxic to pets, but the pits, leaves, and stems can be harmful if ingested. The seeds contain a chemical that can release cyanide in the stomach. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets might include salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, shock or death. It's essential to keep these parts of the plant away from pets to avoid accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20 feet [6 meters]
Spread
15 feet [4.5 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The sweet cherry tree typically blooms with beautiful white flowers in spring that are aesthetically pleasing.
- Edible Fruit: It produces sweet cherries which are delicious when eaten fresh and can also be used in cooking and baking.
- Shade Provider: As a medium to large tree, it can provide significant shade during hot summers, making outdoor spaces more comfortable.
- Wildlife Attraction: Sweet cherry trees attract birds and beneficial pollinators like bees to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: With its spring blossoms, summer fruits, and fall foliage colors, it offers visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Wood Uses: The wood of cherry trees can be used for furniture, cabinetry, and various woodworking projects due to its quality and color.
- Landscape Beautification: It enhances the landscape with its ornamental qualities, which can increase property value and curb appeal.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with beauty and renewal, cherry trees have a special place in many cultures and traditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Sweet Cherry trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small animals in garden ecosystems.
- Woodworking: The wood of Sweet Cherry can be used for making furniture or woodworking projects due to its fine grain and attractive color.
- Tool Handles: The strong and durable wood of Sweet Cherry may be fashioned into handles for various hand tools.
- Educational Tool: As a fruit-bearing tree, Sweet Cherry can be used to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the importance of pollinators in fruit production.
- Culinary Wood Chips: Wood chips from the Sweet Cherry tree can impart a sweet, fruity flavor when used for smoking meats and other culinary dishes.
- Dye Production: The bark and fruit of the Sweet Cherry tree can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or artwork.
- Craft Materials: Fallen branches and twigs from Sweet Cherry trees can be collected for creating rustic crafts, such as wreaths or garden trellises.
- Photography Subject: With their spring blossoms and attractive fruit, Sweet Cherry trees can be a favorite subject for nature photography enthusiasts.
- Bonsai: Sweet Cherry can be cultivated as bonsai trees, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms on a miniature scale.
- Seasonal Decorations: Both the blossoms and fruits of the Sweet Cherry can be used to make decorative arrangements for spring and summer festivities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe cherry tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe cherry tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Romance: The "Summer Sun" cherry tree, common to many cherry tree varieties, often symbolizes love and romance due to its beautiful and delicate blossoms.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: Cherry trees are one of the first to bloom in spring, making them a symbol of renewal and the start of a new cycle of life.
- Impermanence of Life: The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life, echoing themes of mindfulness and the need to live in the present.
- Beauty and Fragility: The exquisite yet short-lived blossoms represent the balance between the stunning beauty of life and its fragile, ephemeral nature.
- Education and Intellectual Pursuits: In some cultures, cherry trees are associated with education and the pursuit of knowledge, perhaps in part because of their association with the spring season, a time for growth and renewal.
WaterFor your Sweet Cherry tree, during the growing season, water it deeply every week or two, ensuring it receives at least 1.5 to 2 gallons per watering session. When the tree is young or newly planted, maintain consistent moisture by checking the soil and watering when the top 2 inches feel dry, but don't allow the area around the tree to become waterlogged. During dry spells and hot weather, increase watering frequency, but reduce it as the tree becomes established or during the fall to encourage hardiness before winter.
LightSweet Cherry trees thrive best in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting them in a location that receives unobstructed sunlight for most of the day is ideal for optimal growth and fruit production.
TemperatureSweet Cherry trees perform well in a range of temperatures but the ideal conditions are between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate winter cold down to about –20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer damage if temperatures drop lower. During the blooming period in spring, prolonged temperatures below freezing can harm the blossoms.
PruningPruning your Sweet Cherry tree is vital to maintain its health, encourage fruit production, and create a strong structure. Prune during the dormant season, typically late winter before spring growth starts. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin out overcrowded branches, and shape the tree annually to open up the canopy for better airflow and sunlight penetration.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe sweet cherry 'Summer Sun' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite in equal proportions is recommended to provide adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweet cherry 'Summer Sun' trees, as relatively large fruit trees, don't need frequent repotting when grown in the ground. Container-grown trees should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their pots.
Humidity & MistingSweet cherry 'Summer Sun' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing 'Summer Sun' cherry indoors is not recommended; they need outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, sheltered from wind, and in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycle'Summer Sun' cherry begins its lifecycle with seed germination, typically in the spring, after a period of cold stratification that breaks seed dormancy. The seedling stage follows where primary leaves and a root system develop, quickly leading to the sapling stage characterized by the development of true leaves and increased growth. As the tree matures into the juvenile stage, the main structure and branches are established, though the tree is not yet reproductive. Upon reaching the adult stage, 'Summer Sun' cherry tree begins to flower and bear fruit, which usually occurs several years after planting; flowers are white to pink and are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of the sweet, red to dark-purple cherries. Following fruiting, the plant enters a period of dormancy each winter, shedding leaves and conserving resources. With proper care, the plant can cycle through fruiting and dormancy for many years, often several decades, before declining in the senescence stage where it ultimately dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most common method of propagating the Prunus avium 'Summer Sun', commonly known as the sweet cherry, is through grafting. This technique is often performed in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins its annual growth cycle. In grafting, a piece of a mature, fruiting cherry tree known as the scion is cut and joined to a rootstock, which is a young cherry tree or seedling with a robust root system. The scion, typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, is selected from a healthy 'Summer Sun' cherry tree, ensuring it has buds for potential fruiting. The scion is then carefully attached to a precise cut in the rootstock to promote the union of their vascular tissues. This connection is secured with grafting tape or a similar material to protect the joint and maintain moisture while the graft heals. Over time, the tissues fuse, allowing the grafted sweet cherry to benefit from the rootstock's resilience and established root system while maintaining the fruit characteristics of 'Summer Sun'.
