Corum Cherry trees offer a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and productive yield for home gardeners. This sweet cherry variety, Prunus avium ‘Corum’, provides ornamental beauty throughout the seasons. Gardeners choose this tree for its showy spring blooms, flavorful fruit, and manageable size, making it suitable for various landscape designs.
Understanding Corum Cherry Characteristics
The Corum Cherry tree is a vigorous, upright-spreading variety when young, maturing into a wider form. These trees can reach a mature height of 15 to 18 feet with a spread of 12 to 15 feet, though diligent pruning can maintain them at a more compact 10 feet. Its foliage features noticeably larger leaves than many other cherry varieties, remaining green through summer before transforming into vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues in the fall.
In spring, the tree produces fragrant white blossoms. Following the bloom, the Corum Cherry yields reddish-yellow fruit with firm, mild-flavored, and juicy flesh. This fruit ripens approximately five to seven days before the ‘Royal Ann’ cherry, providing an early harvest. The Corum Cherry also requires around 700 chill hours to set fruit.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Ideal Location and Sunlight
The Corum Cherry thrives in locations receiving full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is particularly beneficial as it helps dry foliage, reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Corum Cherry trees perform best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7, though some sources indicate suitability up to zone 8. When planting multiple trees, space them about 12 feet apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Protection from strong winds is also beneficial for young trees.
Soil Requirements
Corum Cherries prefer well-drained, porous soil to prevent waterlogging around the roots. Loamy soil is ideal, providing a balance of drainage and nutrient retention. Avoid heavy clay or excessively sandy soils, as these can either retain too much water or drain too quickly.
Before planting, conduct a soil test to determine existing nutrient levels and pH. Corum Cherry trees generally prefer a soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.5. Amending the soil with organic matter can improve its structure and fertility, supporting robust tree development.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is important, especially during the Corum Cherry’s establishment phase. Newly planted trees should receive deep watering every other day for the first week, then two to three times during the second week. Afterward, thorough watering once a week for the remainder of the first growing season is generally sufficient.
For established trees, supplemental watering may not be necessary if the region receives approximately one inch of rainfall every ten days. When watering, use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose at the base of the tree. This method delivers water directly to the root zone and helps prevent fungal issues from prolonged wet foliage.
Fertilization Guidance
Fertilization supports consistent growth and fruit production in Corum Cherry trees. Apply a balanced fertilizer containing micronutrients in early spring. However, perform a soil test beforehand to identify any specific nutrient deficiencies.
Avoid excessive nitrogen application, as too much nitrogen can promote lush vegetative growth at the expense of flower and fruit development. Also avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off sufficiently before cold weather. Established trees typically benefit from fertilization every few years.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning maintains the health and desired shape of Corum Cherry trees. These trees can be pruned to maintain a height of under 10 feet, making them suitable for smaller gardens. Late summer is often recommended for pruning fruiting cherry trees.
Structural pruning can involve shaping the tree into a modified central leader form, promoting strong branch development. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches is important for overall tree health. Tip pruning helps manage the tree’s size and encourages a denser habit. Prune during dry weather to minimize the risk of fungal infections entering wounds.
Addressing Common Problems
Corum Cherry trees can encounter certain challenges. Brown rot blossom blight is a common fungal disease affecting blossoms and fruit. This disease, along with powdery mildew, is more likely to occur when leaves remain wet for extended periods or in poor air circulation. Symptoms of powdery mildew include a white or gray powdery growth on leaves and fruit, leading to leaf yellowing, curling, and distortion.
Environmental stressors, such as late frosts, can damage fruit set, while heavy rains close to harvest can cause fruit cracking. Proper site selection and cultural practices are the primary preventative measures.
Benefits of Growing Corum Cherry
A Corum Cherry tree offers several advantages for the home garden. Its ornamental value is considerable, providing beautiful white blossoms in spring, colorful reddish-yellow fruit in summer, and vibrant yellow, orange, and red foliage in autumn, offering year-round visual interest.
The tree’s sturdy branches and larger leaves also make it effective for creating a privacy screen or windbreak. Corum Cherries are reliable and often produce substantial crops even in their early years, making them a rewarding addition to an edible landscape.