Cherry (Prunus) Stella Half Standard Colt

Stella is one of the most popular sweet cherries in Britain. Bred in Canada in 1968, it was the first of the modern self-fertile cherries and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. A single tree gives heavy, reliable crops of large, rich, dark red cherries in late July, following a froth of white spring blossom that bees love. Stella is also one of the best pollinators for other cherries, which makes it the perfect partner for self-sterile varieties such as Penny.

This half standard has a clear trunk of around 1.2m beneath a well-branched crown. It grows into a classic, freestanding orchard-style tree of around 4m on Colt rootstock, with plenty of room to mow or plant underneath. It suits larger gardens, lawns and small orchards, and annual pruning keeps it in shape. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and stake firmly for the first few years. The fruit can split after heavy rain, so steady watering during dry spells helps, and netting will keep the birds off as the cherries ripen. Prune in summer after harvest rather than in winter, to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Fully hardy (RHS H6). The fruit is delicious, but the stones and leaves shouldn't be eaten, so keep those out of reach of children and pets.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.