St. Lucie Cherry (prunus maheleb)

• Spreading deciduous tree (8–12 m tall, 4–8 m spread) with glossy mid-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
• Highly fragrant white spring blossom (mid–late spring) that attracts pollinators; small bitter black cherries feed birds.
• Hardy, drought-tolerant once established, low-maintenance, and suitable for wildlife or informal gardens. Kernels yield the spice mahleb.

Planting summary

• Site: Full sun (best flowering); sheltered position preferred to protect blossom from late frosts. Tolerates some exposure.
• Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil (chalk, clay, loam or sand); acid, neutral or alkaline. Avoid waterlogging. Grows well even on poorer or lime-rich soils.
• When: Bare-root trees November–March. 
• How: Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball, same depth. Plant at the same level as in the nursery, firm soil, water thoroughly and mulch. Stake if needed. Keep a clear circle free of grass/weeds while establishing. 
• Aftercare: Water in dry spells for the first 1–2 years. Prune in summer to reduce silver-leaf risk. Minimal feeding required.

Photo credit: SABENCIA Guillermo César Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)