Stella Compact Cherry
Prunus avium 'Stella Compact'
Stella Compact Cherry (Prunus avium 'Stella Compact') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 10–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Seldom sets fruit along the front range.
medium water10–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus avium 'Stella Compact'
- Variety / cultivar
- Stella Compact
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~12 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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 Stella Compact Cherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Stella Compact Cherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Stella Compact Cherry get?
- It matures to about 10–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide.
- How much room does Stella Compact Cherry need?
- Give Stella Compact Cherry about 12 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Stella Compact Cherry grow into?
- Stella Compact Cherry typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Stella Compact Cherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Stella Compact Cherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Stella Compact Cherry need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Stella Compact Cherry grow?
- Stella Compact Cherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Stella Compact Cherry live?
- Stella Compact Cherry is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Stella Compact Cherry safe for dogs?
- No. Stella Compact Cherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Stella Compact Cherry deer-resistant?
- No. Stella Compact Cherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Stella Compact Cherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Stella Compact 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.
