Bird Cherry Hedging Plants Description
Bird Cherry, (Prunus padus) is a deciduous, native hedge plant, which is also commonly grown as a tree. Interestingly, 'padus' is actually Greek for 'wild cherry', however Wild Cherry (Prunus avium), is a separate species of native cherry altogether.
In late spring, Bird Cherry is awash with white, almond-scented flowers carried on short spikes (racemes). The sweet, nectar-rich flowers are very popular with bees who are drawn to them for an early supply of food and pollen. After flowering, bitter dark fruits develop which are loved by birds and small mammals but are not edible for humans. The foliage also provides food for a range of insects, particularly the caterpillars of many species of moth, but is considered toxic to livestock.
Bird Cherry has an average growth rate of 20-40cm per year and is easily maintained between 1-4m. It requires little by way of trimming and maintenance as it is best when left to grow and develop naturally. If some tidying and trimming of your Bird Cherry hedge is needed, prune lightly in the summer months after flowering and fruiting, as pruning in winter can leave the plant open disease.
Prunus padus is most commonly used as a component in a mixed native hedge although it also makes an attractive stand-alone hedge. It grows well in most soils, even fairly poor or wet soils, often being found naturally in wetland areas or by rivers and streams. Bird Cherry isn't suitable for coastal areas or very exposed sites - although it is considered hardier than Wild Cherry, and it isn't suited to full shade.
For the perfect plants to complement Bird Cherry to form a mixed native hedgerow, view our fantastic Native Hedging range.
If you would like to explore other species possibilities for your hedge but need some guidance, then you'll find a comprehensive selection of alternatives and suggestions for your garden on our Choosing the Right Species page.
Planting distances are very much a matter of choice - for bare roots, 3 plants per metre is adequate, 5 is good, 7 in a double staggered row will give a dense hedge quicker. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at higher density. Cell grown should be planted at 4 per metre in a single row or ideally 6 per metre in a staggered row.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.
Bird Cherry on the whole is usually grown for a more natural aesthetic and is often left to grow without intervention. However, dependant upon where the hedge is situated, if a tidy-up is needed, a light pruning can be done in the summer after flowering and fruiting has finished, to remove any dead, broken, crossing or diseased branches.
Pruning Bird Chery at the wrong time of year, particularly in the winter months can potentially be detrimental to the plant, leaving it open to diseases such as Silver Leaf and bacterial canker. To ensure the health of your Bird Cherry hedge, take care to prune only if needed and ideally in summer.
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Standard Boxes (Bare roots up to 1.2m tall and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Tall Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m and over) | £14.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 3-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs and trees may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the 3 week window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
-Leaf-and-Flowers.jpg "Bird Cherry")
-Berries.jpg "Bird Cherry (Prunus Padus) Berries")
-Full-Flowers.jpg "Bird Cherry (Prunus Padus) Full Flowers")
-Leaf-and-Flowers.jpg)
-Leaf-Close-Up.jpg)
-Leaf-Close-Up.jpg)
-Flowers-close-up.jpg)
-Berries-and-Leaves.jpg)
.jpg)
