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cherry plum tree edible

The cherry plum tree is a popular choice for New Zealand gardens thanks to its ornamental beauty and delicious, edible fruit. But is the cherry plum tree edible and how can you best enjoy its offerings? Whether planted for the attractive spring blossoms or the tangy fruit that follows, this versatile tree is a rewarding addition to home orchards and edible landscapes. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the cherry plum tree's edibility, safe consumption, and tasty uses, as well as highlight a few other delicious options for your garden.

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Cherry 'Dawson'

'Dawson' Cherry is a productive sweet cherry tree valued for its attractive blossom, reliable crops, and delicious dark red fruit with rich flavour. The spring display of white flowers is followed by generous harvests of cherries that are ideal for eating fresh and using in desserts.

From $425.89

Suited to regions: Alpine, Temperate
Plant type: Fruit Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
plum-santa-rosa-5

Plum Santa Rosa

The 'Santa Rosa' Plum is a popular deciduous fruit tree renowned for its attractive spring blossom and heavy crops of juicy, sweet flavoured plums. It grows well throughout many parts of New Zealand and is an excellent choice for home orchards and edible gardens.

From $404.59

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Fruit Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
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Cherry 'Rainier'

'Rainier' Cherry is a premium sweet cherry variety renowned for its large golden yellow fruit with a bright red blush and exceptionally sweet...

From$404.59
plum-hawera-
Plum Hawera

The 'Hawera' Plum Tree is a productive deciduous fruit tree grown for its reliable crops of delicious plums and attractive spring blossom. It is well...

From$404.59
cherry-lapins-4
Cherry 'Lapins'

Lapins' Cherry is a highly regarded sweet cherry variety that produces heavy crops of large glossy dark red fruit with exceptional sweetness and...

From$340.69
cherry-compact-stella-
Cherry 'Compact Stella'

'Compact Stella' Cherry is a compact sweet cherry tree that produces generous crops of large dark red cherries with rich sweet flavour. Its...

From$425.89
Plum 'Greengage' fruit.
Plum 'Greengage'

The ‘Greengage’ plum tree is a heritage variety prized for its lovely, green-skinned fruit with golden flesh. Renowned for its rich, honeyed flavour...

From$340.69
plum-omega-1
Plum Omega

'Omega' Plum Tree is a popular fruiting tree valued for its delicious sweet dark red plums and reliable performance in New Zealand gardens. Flowering...

From$404.59
plum-billington-
Plum Billington

Billington plum trees produce sweet, juicy fruit that ripens early in the season, making them ideal for New Zealand gardens and orchards. These trees...

From$425.89
Luisa' plum tree covered in yellow fruit.
Plum 'Luisa'

The 'Luisa' Plum is a popular variety that produces good yields of large, yellow-skinned fruit, blushed with red. The flesh is firm, yellow, sweet...

From$404.59
prunus-accolade-
Prunus 'Accolade'

Prunus 'Accolade' is a spectacular flowering cherry prized for its masses of soft pink blossom that appear in early spring before or alongside the...

From$349.95
prunus-awanui-3
Prunus 'Awanui'

Prunus 'Awanui' is a beautiful flowering cherry that delivers an outstanding display of blossom each spring, making it a favourite for New Zealand...

From$349.95
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Prunus 'Amanogawa'

Prunus 'Amanogawa' is a narrow upright flowering cherry that brings elegant spring colour to New Zealand gardens. Its masses of fragrant soft pink...

From$399.95
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Prunus 'Kiku Shidare Zakura'

Prunus 'Kiku Shidare Zakura' is a graceful weeping flowering cherry that creates an unforgettable display of large double pink blossoms in spring...

From$399.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
prunus-felix-jury-
Prunus 'Felix Jury'

Prunus 'Felix Jury' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular display of large double pink blossoms in spring. The abundant flowers...

From$349.95
prunus-mountain-haze-
Prunus 'Mountain Haze'

Prunus 'Mountain Haze' is a beautiful flowering cherry that produces an abundance of soft blossoms during spring, creating a spectacular display in...

From$399.95
Prunus campanulata superba with pink flowers and a tui in the tree.
Prunus campanulata 'Superba'

Prunus campanulata 'Superba' is a spectacular flowering cherry that produces masses of rich pink bell shaped flowers from late winter into early...

From$349.95
prunus-shirotae-
Prunus 'Shirotae'

Prunus 'Shirotae' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its masses of large pure white blossoms that brighten New Zealand gardens each...

From$349.95
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Prunus 'Kanzan'

Prunus 'Kanzan' is one of the most admired flowering cherry trees for New Zealand gardens, producing an outstanding display of large double pink...

From$349.95
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Prunus 'Falling Snow'

Prunus 'Falling Snow' is an elegant flowering cherry that produces masses of brilliant white blossoms in spring, creating a spectacular display in...

From$399.95
prunus-laurocerasus-3
Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) is a vigorous evergreen shrub admired for its lush glossy foliage and excellent screening qualities. This hardy...

From$24.95
prunus-ukon-3
Prunus 'Ukon'

Prunus 'Ukon' is a rare and elegant flowering cherry tree admired for its unusual pale yellow green blossoms during spring. This deciduous ornamental...

From$399.95
prunus-subhirtella-pendula-rosea-3
Prunus 'Pendula Rosea'

Prunus 'Pendula Rosea' is a stunning weeping ornamental cherry tree admired for its cascading branches and masses of soft pink flowers during spring...

From$349.95
Black Doris' plums.
Plum Black Doris

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$404.59
prunus-thundercloud-4
Prunus 'Thundercloud'

Prunus 'Thundercloud' is a striking ornamental plum tree admired for its rich purple foliage and masses of soft pink flowers during spring. This...

From$349.95
Spectacular Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' dark purple foliage.
Loropetalum 'Plum Delight'

Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' features spectacularly coloured flowers and foliage. It produces mildly fragrant, pink flowers from winter to spring...

From$28.91
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
coprosma-repens-plum-hussey--1
Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$17.95
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' with beautiful purple foliage growing out across a deck.
Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous'

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' is a colourful evergreen shrub prized for its rich plum purple foliage and masses of vibrant pink fringe flowers from...

From$28.91
Cherry 'Dawson'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cherry, and Plum, or related Categories - Cherry Trees, and Plum Trees.

Search cherry plum tree edible

Are Cherry Plum Trees Edible?

Yes, the fruit of the cherry plum tree is edible and cherished for its sweet-tart flavour, which is perfect for fresh eating, preserving, or baking. Cherry plums (Prunus cerasifera) typically have small, colourful fruit varying in shades from yellow to red to purple. Not only are the plums edible, but they are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

While the fruit is safe to eat, it’s best to avoid consuming cherry plum seeds or pits, as these contain naturally occurring compounds that should not be ingested. Always remove pits before processing fruit for jams, jellies, or baking.

How to Use Edible Cherry Plums

Edible cherry plums are wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. Their juicy, tangy flesh makes them ideal for:

Because cherry plums ripen in late summer, you’ll be harvesting baskets full when most other stone fruit are finishing their season. Their unique flavour pairs well with other classic varieties. If you’re a fan of preserving, consider blending cherry plums with options like Plum Hawera for a beautifully coloured homemade jam.

Choosing Your Cherry Plum and Other Edible Options

When choosing an edible cherry plum tree, look for varieties that are suited to your specific region and taste preference. Some cultivars offer more sweetness, while others are zingy and tart. For those looking to diversify their edible landscape, you might also consider other top picks:

Growing Edible Cherry Plum Trees in New Zealand

Cherry plum trees are easy to grow in most New Zealand climates. Plant yours in a sunny, well-drained spot and keep well-watered during establishment. Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. With minimal care, you’ll enjoy years of bountiful harvests from your edible cherry plum tree, and the delight of creating delicious treats right from your garden.

Adding edible fruit trees, like cherry plum and their companions, can transform your backyard into a fruitful paradise—delivering seasonal colour, spring flowers, and homegrown flavour straight to your table.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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