Gardeners looking for a fruitful and space-saving addition to their outdoor space have been given a perfect winter planting tip by a leading horticultural expert.
The Ideal Compact Fruit Tree for UK Gardens
Bex Edwards, a gardening specialist from You Garden, is championing the Cherry Stella as the ideal tree to plant during the colder months. She highlights that this particular variety produces "gorgeous sweet cherries" while staying "beautifully compact", making it suitable for most gardens.
In a recent TikTok video, Edwards demonstrated that the key to the tree's manageable size is its grafting. She pointed out the "knobbly bit" or graft point, explaining that the tree is attached to a special rootstock which limits its growth. When fully mature, the Cherry Stella will only reach about two and a half metres in height.
High Yield from a Small Tree
Despite its modest stature, Edwards emphasises that the tree is "very, very fruitful". She stated that once established, which typically takes a year or two, a single Cherry Stella can produce up to 5kg of fruit every single year.
The gardening pro also provided clear guidance on the planting process. She noted that as it's currently bare root planting season (from October to early April), it's an excellent and budget-friendly time to buy, as you avoid paying for a pot or compost. "All you need to do is soak those bare roots overnight and get planting," she advised.
Winter Hardy and Easy to Protect
A major advantage of the Cherry Stella is its hardiness. Edwards confirmed that it is "completely winter hardy" and can stay in the garden all year round, answering a follower's query about whether it needs greenhouse protection.
She also outlined the tree's annual cycle and practical benefits. It will produce white blossom in spring, followed by cherries in summer. Its compact size means you can always pick from standing height. Furthermore, being smaller makes it easier to net and protect the crop from birds, a common issue with cherry trees.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) offers additional advice, noting that cherries thrive in fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny spot for the sweetest fruit. They also confirm that many modern varieties like the Cherry Stella are self-fertile, so you only need one tree for a successful harvest.
