Garden Plant: Catalina Cherry
Catalina Cherry
Product Description: Catalina Cherry
Edible Landscape!
A few miles off of the coast of Southern California, from Santa Barbara down to LA, are eight Channel Islands. They differ in rustic beauty and glamorous excess. But one thing they all have in common is that they are the native home to the lovely Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii).
The big, dark, glossy green leaves are evergreen and make this an exceptional screen for blocking out the neighbors. It stays relatively slender, too, so it works very well in areas without a lot of space, like in side yards or along fences.
Just like You’d hope, it does bear edible fruit. After a flush of winter/spring flowers, red cherry-like fruits ripen in the summer. They have a distinct taste – it’s cherry, but not a sweet cherry. They are good eaten fresh, but You’ll need to beat the birds to them.
They thrive in Mediterranean climates and in just about any well-drained soil. They don’t tolerate cold much lower than 20 degrees, so plant accordingly.
If You’re in the right place and are interested in a beautiful native plant that will work hard for you, then definitely give Catalina Cherry a try. We don’t have tons, so don’t wait to order!
- Large, glossy evergreen leaves
- White spring flowers attract pollinators
- Hedge, windbreak or screen
- Great for native and xeriscape landscapes