Cherry (Prunus) Summer Sun Half Standard Colt

Summer Sun is a reliable British-bred cherry, raised at the John Innes research station in Norwich, and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It crops dependably even after a dull summer, and its blossom stands up well to frost, which makes it a great choice for cooler or more exposed gardens. White spring flowers, a favourite with bees, are followed in late July by generous crops of large, dark red cherries with sweet, firm, juicy flesh.

This half standard has a clear trunk of around 1.2m beneath a well-branched crown. It grows into a classic freestanding tree of around 4m on Colt rootstock, with room to mow or plant underneath, which suits lawns, larger gardens and small orchards. Summer Sun is partially self-fertile: it will fruit on its own but gives heavier crops with a partner nearby, such as Stella or Lapins, and it is also a good pollinator for other cherries. Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and stake firmly for the first few years. Net against birds as the fruit ripens where you can, and 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.