Western Sand Cherry

Prunus besseyi

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Plant Description: Ornamental shrub with profuse sweet smelling white flowers in spring, followed by large black-red sweet edible fruit. Foliage is silvery green turning to red/purple in autumn. Prefers moist, well drained soil, but can handle hot, dry spots.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Shrub - Thinning
Plant Care: Shrub - Thinning (woody multi-stemmed plants that lose their leaves every winter and look best on older stems): Prune dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most shrubs. With spring blooming shrubs, prune after the blooms are spent. Remove up to 1/3rd of the overall shrub, keeping older branches to build up a sturdy, permanent and picturesque framework. Keep in mind that these shrubs bloom directly on older wood or on shoots that come off old wood. Monitor for pests, diseases, or other ailments on a regular basis.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 6' tall x 6' wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Foundation Plant, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Silver-green
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Seasons: Early Spring
Bloom Period: Mar - Apr

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 6
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Not on display
    • Not on display
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter