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Starlight

Prunus

Starlight it is an unusual cross between a sweet dessert cherry and the well-known winter-flowering ornamental cherry 'Autumnalis Rosea'. Its unique feature is the pure white star-shaped flowers, more reminiscent of the classic star-shaped Magnolias than a flowering cherry. Flowering is profuse, often over a long period from March into April, with good resistance to frost. Like 'Autumnalis Rosea' it may also flower during mild spells in mid-winter.

The glossy green leaves appear after the blossom.

The tree grows with a graceful upright habit, reaching perhaps 4m in the longer term.

Starlight won the Plant of the Year award at the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Starlight flowering cherry trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £74.00
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

For the best blossom display we recommend planting Starlight in full sun in well-drained soil, but it tolerates chalk and clay and can be grown in most UK situations.

History

Prunus Starlight was developed in the UK. 

Starlight characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive tree / plant
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningDo not pruneNo need to prune
  • Growth rateAverage
  • Site conditionsSheltered siteFree-draining site
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthMarchApril
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Leaf/Flower sequenceFlowers appear first
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • See also Autumnalis Rosea
    Prunus x subhirtella
    Autumnalis Rosea
    A Japanese flowering cherry with light pink blossom, can sometimes flower through the whole winter.

How to choose a flowering cherry tree

We list more than 70 different flowering cherry trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different characteristics of flowering cherries might help narrow down the selection.