Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel' – A Graceful Cherry Tree with Fragrant Spring Blooms
Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel', commonly known as the Bird Cherry 'Le Thouriel', is a stunning ornamental tree that combines beauty with an excellent fragrance. Known for its elegant growth, abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers, and dark purple fruit, this deciduous tree adds year-round interest to the garden. Perfect for gardens, parks, and larger landscapes, Prunus 'Le Thouriel' provides a vibrant seasonal display while attracting pollinators and wildlife.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
-
Spring: The tree’s standout feature is its stunning spring blossom. In late spring, Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel' is covered in large, drooping clusters of white flowers that fill the air with a sweet, honey-like fragrance. These flowers are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making this tree a valuable addition to any wildlife garden.
-
Summer: In the summer, the tree’s dark green leaves form a dense canopy, providing shade and a rich backdrop to the garden. Small, dark purple to black fruit develops, attracting birds and adding an extra layer of interest.
-
Autumn: As autumn sets in, the leaves transition to yellow, providing a final burst of colour before falling. The tree’s structure remains elegant and graceful throughout the season, even as the foliage fades.
-
Winter: In winter, Prunus 'Le Thouriel' reveals its graceful, branching form, and its smooth, grey-brown bark adds texture to the winter landscape. The tree’s structure still provides visual interest, even when bare of leaves.
Structure & Form
Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel' is a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching a height of 6–8m (20–26ft) with a spread of 4–6m (13–20ft). It has an elegant, pyramidal form that gives it a pleasing, upright structure. The tree’s graceful habit, along with its abundant blooms, makes it an excellent choice for a specimen tree, border planting, or as a central feature in a larger landscape.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
-
Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens: The fragrant flowers and fruit of Prunus 'Le Thouriel' make it an excellent choice for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, creating a haven for wildlife.
-
Garden Focal Points & Specimen Trees: Its beautiful flowers and form make it an ideal specimen tree for larger gardens or public spaces, where it can be appreciated up close.
-
Mixed Borders & Hedges: The tree blends well in mixed borders, providing both height and texture, and can be used effectively as part of informal hedgerows or woodland gardens.
-
Urban & Street Planting: Prunus 'Le Thouriel' performs well in urban spaces and streetscapes, offering visual interest, fragrance, and pollinator support while tolerating urban conditions.
Growing Conditions & Care
-
Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering, plant in a sunny spot, though it can tolerate light shade.
-
Soil: Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
-
Hardiness: Fully hardy, Prunus 'Le Thouriel' is suitable for temperate climates and can withstand cold winters, making it an excellent option for a variety of regions.
-
Maintenance: Low-maintenance, requiring only light pruning to remove dead or damaged wood and maintain shape. The tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant, although it may require occasional care to prevent fungal issues or aphids. Regular watering during dry spells will help establish the tree and encourage healthy growth.
Why Choose Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel'?
Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel' is a charming ornamental tree that brings fragrance, beauty, and wildlife support to your garden. With its spectacular spring blossoms, rich green summer foliage, and golden autumn colours, it is a tree that offers year-round interest. Its adaptability and elegant form make it a perfect addition to any landscape, from smaller gardens to larger parklands.
Perfect Plant Combinations
-
Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) or Amelanchier (Serviceberry) for contrasting flower colours and seasonal interest.
-
Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Forsythia for multi-season colour and complementary blooms.
-
Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Astilbe, Hostas, or Lavender for texture and vibrant colour contrasts.
-
Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Tulips, or Daffodils for an early-season burst of colour to accompany the tree's spring blossoms.
Prunus padus 'Le Thouriel' is a beautiful and fragrant tree that will bring elegance, seasonal colour, and a touch of charm to any garden or landscape. Whether planted as a specimen tree, part of a border, or as a wildlife-friendly addition, its striking flowers and attractive form make it a standout choice for those looking to add both beauty and ecological value to their outdoor spaces.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
