The Sand Cherry is valued in the landscape for its rugged constitution and ornamental attributes. The Sand Cherry was chosen for this group because of its profuse white spring flowers, leaves that are an attractive gray green, a heavy crop of juicy black berries, outstanding red fall foliage and nice semi-horizontal spreading habit. This is one of the hardiest of deciduous shrubs. Provides preferred fruit for numerous songbirds. Growth form creates good roosting and loafing cover for songbirds and game birds, and nesting cover for songbirds. Occasionally browsed by deer. Native to northern Great Plains, including northeastern Colorado. If you’re looking to attract Birds and Wildlife to your landscape, look no further than De Groot, Inc.’s newest plant group. The characteristics that make these species so visually appealing – showy flowers, stunning fruit, winter color – are some of Nature’s most powerful draws for the animal kingdom. Turn your yard into a naturally balanced eco-system! Whether you choose one variety or one of each, you’re sure to enjoy these plants for a lifetime. They provide food, shelter and nesting. Plant your backyard sanctuary today!
Size: 12"-18" · Hardiness: Zones 3-6 Exposure:Full Sun Common: ‘Sand Cherry’ Botanical: Prunus besseyi Family: Rosaceae Height: 4-6' · Spacing: 5-6' Foliage: Silvery-green and shiny. Fall color is bronze to red. Flower: White, profuse in clusters · Bloomtime: May to June Pests or Diseases: The Sand Cherry is rarely bothered by insects or diseases. Notes: Fruit is a sour cherry, purple to black in color, that can be used in pies and jellies and are attractive to birds. Bark is smooth and reddish-brown on young stems, rough and gray on older stems. Found in sandy areas in the western plains. This shrub is also cold tolerant and hardy to zone 3. Supplemental water needs are low to none, after the plant matures. Planting instructions:Prefering full sun, it adapts to heat and can be used in hot, dry areas of the landscape. Well-drained soil is preferable, but it will adapt to most soils, including clay. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly.