Sand cherry shrub is a beautiful decoration for any home. It has shiny, dark green leaves and its branches are covered in small, white flowers. The plant is easy to care for and requires little water.
Related plant:
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Bush
About soil condition, sand cherry shrub grows well both in dry and moist soils but prefers well-drained soils. It also does not tolerate compacted soils. So, if the soil is too heavy, it is necessary to loosen it up by adding organic matter.
Similar to other plants, Cherry Shrubs need sunlight to grow and stay healthy. However, too much sun can damage the plant and cause the leaves to fade. The plant should be placed in an area where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent this from happening.
The temperature conditions that are necessary for the growth of the sand cherry shrub are relatively cool temperatures. This shrub prefers temperatures that are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some colder temperatures, but it may not flower or produce fruit if the temperatures drop too low. Sand cherry shrubs also need some humidity in the air in order to thrive.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal problems.
About fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need much. An all-purpose fertilizer applied in early spring is all that is necessary. Be sure to scratch it into the surface rather than letting it sit on top of the ground. As for the roots, they are widespread and fibrous, so be sure to loosen the soil before planting.
Pruning your sand cherry shrub is important to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. You should prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and trim back any straggly or overgrown branches. You can also shape the plant by pruning to create a uniform shape.
Propagation for sand cherry shrub is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. They should be kept moist and in a humid environment until they have rooted.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. The average growth rate for sand cherry shrubs is about 1 to 2 feet per year. However, some species can grow up to 5 feet per year. The growth rate is also affected by the amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients the plant receives.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the deer will eat the bark and leaves off the plant. Also, the plant is very susceptible to powdery mildew, which will cause the leaves to turn white and eventually die.
Source:
Gus Mehlquist Sprawling Sand Cherry | Arnold Arboretum
Purple-leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena) - Selecting Shrubs for
Prunus pumila L. sand cherry ROSACEAE - Pennsylvania State
