What to Grow with a Cherry Tree in Containers?

Planting a cherry tree in a container can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. You might be thinking, “Is this enough for my tree? What else should I grow with it?” I’ve been there too! And I got the answer for you guys! Herbs, flowers, vegetables—they all play a part in helping your cherry tree thrive, and I’ll show you exactly how.

Top Companion Plants for Cherry Trees in Pots

So, what should you plant with your cherry tree? Here are some of the best options that will keep your tree happy and healthy:

Herbs:

• Basil: Not only does basil smell fantastic, but it can also improve the flavor of your cherry tree’s fruit and deter pests like aphids.
• Thyme: This low-growing herb adds a fragrant carpet under your cherry tree, improving the soil’s health while staying out of the way.
• Mint: Mint can help repel harmful insects while adding a fresh aroma to your garden. Just be careful—it can spread quickly!

Flowers:

• Marigolds: These bright, cheerful flowers are excellent at repelling pests. Plus, they add a pop of color to your container garden.
• Nasturtiums: Not only are they pretty, but nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects that help pollinate your cherry tree.
• Petunias: With their vibrant blooms, petunias create a stunning contrast against the green foliage of your cherry tree. They also help keep pests like beetles at bay.

Vegetables:

• Lettuce: Lettuce is a great space-saving veggie that grows well in containers and can be tucked in around your cherry tree’s base.
• Spinach: Like lettuce, spinach grows quickly and doesn’t need much space, making it an easy addition to your container garden.
• Radishes: Fast-growing and compact, radishes are perfect for filling in any gaps in your container.

Cherry Tree Plant Overview

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Prunus spp.
Common Types	Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus), Ornamental Cherry (e.g., Yoshino, Kwanzan)
Hardiness Zones	USDA Zones 4-8 (varies by variety)
Height	6 to 30 feet (depends on variety)
Spread	5 to 20 feet (depends on variety)
Sunlight Requirements	Full Sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight)
Soil Requirements	Well-drained, loamy soil
Watering Needs	Regular watering; keep soil evenly moist
Blooming Season	Spring (March to April)
Fruit Harvest Season	Summer (June to July for fruiting varieties)
Lifespan	15-30 years (varies by variety and care)
Special Features	Ornamental blossoms, fruit production, wildlife attraction
Common Pests/Diseases	Aphids, cherry fruit fly, brown rot

Why Choose Companion Plants for Your Cherry Tree in Containers?

Companion planting is one of those tricks that makes gardening both easier and more rewarding. Here’s why it works wonders for your cherry tree:

• Growth Boosters: Certain plants can actually help your cherry tree grow better. Basil and thyme, for example, improve the soil and add nutrients that your tree loves.
• Space Savers: If you’re working with a small space, why not make the most of it? Companion planting allows you to grow multiple plants in the same container, maximizing every inch.
• Pest Control: Want fewer bugs nibbling on your cherry tree? Some companion plants, like marigolds, repel pests. Others attract beneficial insects that keep the bad ones in check.
• Beauty and Variety: Let’s be real—adding different plants to your cherry tree container isn’t just practical, it’s beautiful. A mix of flowers, herbs, and veggies creates a visually appealing garden that does more than just sit there looking pretty.

How to Arrange Your Container Garden with a Cherry Tree

Now that you know what to plant, let’s talk about how to arrange your cherry tree’s companions in the container. The layout matters—it’s about more than just squeezing in as many plants as possible.

Spacing and layering matter!

You’ll want to think about the height and spread of each plant. For example, your cherry tree will be the star of the show, so it should go in the center or back of the container, depending on how you want it to be viewed. Herbs like thyme or basil can fill in around the base, while flowers like marigolds or petunias can be planted along the edges.

What is the best container for cherries?

The right pot makes a big difference. Your cherry tree needs enough space to spread its roots, and its companion plants need their own room to grow. Make sure the container is big enough—aim for at least 24 inches in diameter for a dwarf cherry tree or similar variety. Also, choose a material that provides good drainage, like terracotta or plastic with drainage holes.

Watering Needs

Cherry trees and their companions might have different watering needs, so you’ll need to strike a balance. Herbs like thyme don’t like soggy soil, while flowers like petunias appreciate consistent moisture. Try grouping plants with similar watering requirements to make your life easier.

Sunlight Considerations

Most cherry trees thrive in full sun, but not all companion plants will love the same amount of light. Be sure to choose plants that can handle the sunlight your container gets. If some of your plants prefer partial shade, arrange them in a way that allows them to be sheltered by your cherry tree’s canopy.

Read: How to Grow Alternanthera Joseph’s Coat?

What are the best cherry trees to grow in pots?

Not all cherry trees are suited for containers, so picking the right variety is crucial. Here are some of the best options that will happily thrive in pots:

1. Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’

This compact cherry tree grows to about 6-7 feet tall, producing beautiful pink-white blossoms in early spring. Its zigzag branches add interest throughout the year, making it a great choice for containers.

2. Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’

Also known as the Weeping Cherry, this tree features cascading branches adorned with double pink flowers in spring. Growing to about 8 feet tall, it’s perfect for small spaces and container gardening.

3. Prunus ‘Little Pink Perfection’

A smaller version of ‘Pink Perfection’, this tree produces large, double pink blooms. It reaches 6-8 feet tall, making it an ideal choice for pots while delivering an impressive floral display.

4. Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’

This columnar cherry tree is perfect for narrow spaces and pots. Its upright growth habit reaches 13 feet in height, with fragrant pale pink blossoms appearing in spring.

5. Prunus ‘Shogetsu’

Known for its large, double white flowers that fade to pink, this tree grows to about 10-12 feet tall. Its spreading habit makes it a stunning container specimen with a beautiful springtime display.

6. Prunus serrulata ‘Shirotae’

This elegant tree has wide-spreading branches adorned with fragrant white blossoms in spring. Growing up to 12 feet, it’s great for larger pots and brings a graceful presence to patios.

7. Prunus incisa ‘Mikinori’

A compact and hardy variety, this tree produces masses of white blossoms in early spring. It grows to about 6-8 feet tall, making it perfect for containers and adding year-round interest.

Read: How Do you Grow Quisqualis (Rangoon Creeper)Plant ?

Some other Cherry Tree varieties

Dwarf Cherry Tree (Prunus avium ‘Compact Stella’)

If you’re after fruit, the Dwarf Stella cherry tree is a top pick for pots. Compact and manageable, it grows to about 10-12 feet tall, making it perfect for container gardening. This self-pollinating variety produces sweet, dark cherries that are perfect for snacking or baking. Just make sure it gets plenty of sun, and your pot is at least 24 inches in diameter to give its roots room to grow.

Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’)

For those looking for an ornamental tree, the Weeping Cherry is a beautiful option. Its graceful, drooping branches create an elegant display in any garden, especially when it blooms with soft pink or white flowers in spring. Weeping cherry trees can reach around 6-8 feet in height when grown in pots, making them suitable for small spaces like patios or balconies.

Dwarf Lapins Cherry Tree (Prunus avium ‘Lapins’)

The Dwarf Lapins cherry tree is another excellent fruit-bearing option for pots. Known for its large, sweet cherries, this variety is self-pollinating and thrives in containers. It typically grows to about 8-10 feet in height, so it’s a good size for a large pot. Plus, it’s a heavy producer, giving you plenty of cherries without needing a second tree for pollination.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’)

If flowers are more your focus than fruit, the Kwanzan Cherry tree offers a stunning display of double pink blossoms. This ornamental tree is ideal for containers, as it stays relatively compact, reaching around 10-15 feet tall. The Kwanzan cherry tree is a showstopper in spring, providing a burst of color and elegance to your space.

Yoshino Cherry Tree (Prunus x yedoensis)

Another ornamental beauty, the Yoshino Cherry tree, is famous for its delicate white blossoms tinged with pink. This variety is commonly seen in cherry blossom festivals and is a favorite for container gardening due to its manageable size and stunning spring display. In a pot, it typically grows to around 10-12 feet tall, making it a great choice for smaller gardens.

Dwarf North Star Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus ‘North Star’)

The Dwarf North Star cherry tree is a hardy, cold-tolerant variety that’s perfect for pots. It’s a sour cherry variety, ideal for pies, preserves, and other culinary uses. Growing to about 6-8 feet in height, it fits well in containers and produces a generous crop of tart cherries each summer.

Black Cherry Tree (Prunus serotina)

While traditionally a larger tree, the Black Cherry tree can be grown in pots with proper pruning and care. Known for its clusters of small, dark cherries, it’s a versatile option that offers both beauty and fruit. In a container, it can be managed to stay within 10 feet tall, making it a unique addition to any patio or deck garden.

Which Season Is Best for Cherry Trees?

Cherry trees thrive best when they experience a balance of cold winters and warm, sunny seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the key seasons that matter for cherry trees:

• Winter (Dormancy Period): Cherry trees need a period of cold dormancy during winter to produce fruit. This “chill period” helps the trees rest and prepare for the growing season. Cold winter temperatures, usually between 32°F and 45°F, are essential for healthy cherry tree development, especially for fruiting varieties like Bing and Rainier.
• Spring (Blooming Season): Spring is when cherry trees really come to life. As the weather warms up, cherry trees begin to bloom, showing off their beautiful blossoms. This season is critical for pollination, which leads to fruit development in fruit-bearing cherry trees. Cherry blossom trees, like Yoshino and Kwanzan, are most stunning in the spring with their iconic blooms.
• Summer (Fruit Harvesting Season): For fruiting cherry trees, summer is the peak season for harvesting cherries. By early to mid-summer, the cherries are ripe and ready for picking. Warm and sunny summer days are perfect for maturing the cherries, ensuring they are sweet and full of flavor.

Conclusion

Creating a thriving container garden with your cherry tree at the center is easier than you think. With the right companion plants, you’ll not only boost your cherry tree’s growth but also add a beautiful mix of colors, textures, and scents to your space. It’s herbs, flowers, or veggies, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

Ready to get started?

Pick your favorite companion plants, arrange them thoughtfully, and watch your cherry tree container garden flourish.

Once again:

• Choose plants that support your cherry tree’s growth and health.
• Arrange your container garden with proper spacing and layering.
• Consider each plant’s water and sunlight needs for the best results.
• Enjoy the beauty and productivity of your thriving container garden!