Summer Sun Cherry Tree

Summer Sun cherry trees can cope with more northern climates than most other cherry trees and still produce a strong crop of sweet cherries. The dark red cherries have well-flavoured, pleasingly firm flesh and store well once picked (late July). In spring, pretty flowers appear with good frost-resistance.

Capable of producing cherries from a relatively young age, Summer Sun is not self-fertile so it will require a pollinator. The tree itself has an upright, slightly spreading habit. Summer Sun cherry is an excellent modern choice for the UK climate and has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

AKA Prunus avium 'Summer Sun'

• Use: Sweet/eating Cherry
• Cropping period: Late July
• Latin name: Prunus avium 'Summer Sun'
• Position: Sheltered position in full sun, good frost resistance
• Height in 10 years*: Gisela 5 (dwarf) 3m, Colt (semi vigorous) 4-5m

*Indication of the un-pruned height of this cherry tree variety on different rootstocks in 10 years. Variations will occur due to position, pruning etc.

Planting Advice for Summer Sun Cherry Trees

Summer Sun Cherry trees should be spaced according to their rootstock, for example a Colt (semi-vigorous) rootstock will require approx. 4 metres between trees, whereas a Gisela 5 (dwarf) rootstock will require approx. 3 metres between trees. Our pot grown cherry trees can be planted at any time of the year, whereas bare root cherry trees need to be planted between November and March.

When planting, remove weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as your root mass and approximately 2-3x as wide. To help fruit trees establish more effectively, sprinkle rootgrow in the hole.

Remove the pot, gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Avoid banking the soil up around the collar of the tree. We recommend planting Sunburst cherry trees with a stake and tie to ensure the roots are well anchored. The Cherry Tree Planting & Care guide has further information and videos.

Watering & Aftercare For Summer Sun Cherry Trees

If you’re planting Cherry trees in spring or summer, water well for the first few months. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for several growing seasons and if needed, use a rabbit guard.

Top tip: To check if the soil requires further water, dig a finger into the soil a few centimetres. If the soil feels even slightly moist, it does not need further watering. If it feels dry, water and repeat this test again.

Pruning Advice For Summer Sun Cherry Trees

Prune Summer Sun Cherry trees for the first few years after planting to ensure a healthy, natural shape with a strong branch structure. Your tree should have one central leader and several side shoots. Straight after planting, trim the main stem back to approximately 120cm and the remove the lowest laterals, allowing at least 50cm of clear stem. Carry out this formative pruning in early spring.

To maintain a strong branch structure, aim to have 7 or 8 main branches which are well spaced, allowing enough light and air inside the canopy. Prune any crossing, damaged or diseased branches, whilst making sure the overall form of your tree is balanced and attractive. Stone fruit trees, such as cherries should be pruned in summer when they are stronger and less susceptible to disease.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.