Plena is a cultivated form of the native English wild cherry or "Gean" which has existed in the UK since the last ice age. Unlike the original variety, which has single flowers, Plena has double flowers. It is sometimes known as the "double Gean" for this reason.
The blossom is pure white and borne in great profusion. The young leaves start out a light coppery colour, soon becoming green as the blossom fades, and then crimson and yellow in the autumn.
The tree is naturally vigorous, and grows with a strong upright form.
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Let me know when Plena ornamental cherry trees are back in stock.
If you do not hear from us by March you can contact us to pre-order for next autumn.
The flowering cherries offer perhaps the most beautiful and attractive blossom of all tree species. They are usually cold-hardy and disease-resistant, and have some tolerance of poor soils including clay or chalk soils.
There is a considerable choice of size and form, from small compact trees which will suit the smaller garden, to weeping forms, columnar (fastigiate) forms, and large vigorous trees suitable for open spaces. However all flowering cherries are best when planted in a sheltered situation, protected from strong winds, so that the blossom will be as long-lasting as possible.
The flowering cherry season usually lasts from late March to early May - about 6 weeks - although some varieties flower even earlier. The UK Royal Horticultural Society classifies flowering cherries as early-season (late March to early April), mid-season (mid-April to late April), or late-season (late April and into early May). Individual varieties are typically in flower for about 2 weeks.
