Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry
Prunus x fontanesiana
Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry (Prunus x fontanesiana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Zone 3 ornamental cherry; long lived for a Prunus.
medium water15–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) hedera.baltica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 4: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~15 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide.
- How much room does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry need?
- Give Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry about 15 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry grow into?
- Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry grow?
- Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry live?
- Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry safe for dogs?
- No. Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry deer-resistant?
- No. Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Des Fontaines Flowering Cherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
