Cherry Tree: Prunus Cerasus: Morello

Morello Cherry Tree - Prunus Cerasus

Grow the versatile Morello cherry, perfect for cooking and preserves. This is one of the more popular compact growing cherries and is a self-fertile tree, therefore not requiring any other pollinators. The fruit is a very dark red-purple both inside and out, offering great versatility as an acid cherry. It can be picked sour for stewing, preserves, tarts, and more. The tree produces an attractive white blossom and crops well from late July into August.

Key Features

• Self-Fertile: No pollinator required - one tree will produce fruit on its own
• Versatile Acid Cherry: Perfect for cooking, preserves, tarts, and baking
• Dark Red-Purple Fruit: Very dark colour both inside and out
• Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens
• Beautiful Blossom: Attractive white flowers in spring
• Hardy: Tolerates full sun or partial shade
• Reliable Cropping: Produces consistent crops from late July to August

Growing Information

Ultimate Height: 2-4m
Ultimate Spread: 2-4m
Pollinator Group: Self-fertile (no pollinator needed)
Harvest Time: Late July to August
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun or partial shade, some shelter preferred
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5)

Planting & Care

Plant in autumn or early spring in moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Position in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot. Morello is one of the few cherries that tolerates partial shade, making it perfect for north-facing walls. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons and during dry spells in summer. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in summer after fruiting to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood - never prune in winter. Net trees when fruit ripens to protect from birds.

Perfect For

• Small gardens and urban spaces
• Cooking, baking, and preserves
• Making cherry jam and tarts
• North-facing walls and partial shade
• Home fruit growing
• Adding spring blossom to gardens
• Versatile culinary use

Why Choose Morello Cherry?

Morello is the most popular acid cherry for UK gardens, valued for its compact size, self-fertile nature, and versatility. Unlike sweet cherries, Morello tolerates partial shade, making it perfect for north-facing walls. The dark red-purple fruit is perfect for traditional cherry preserves, pies, and cooking, providing abundant crops for your kitchen year after year.

Available at Stoneybrook Nursery, Lancashire - Quality fruit trees for UK gardens.