Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoleon Cherry

Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon, also known as Sweet Cherry Bigarreau Napoléon or simply ‘Naps’, is a cultivar of wild cherry Prunus Avium that is very popular in UK gardens. It was introduced around 150 years ago from Kent and the fruit is loved for its tangy sweetness.

In spring deciduous dark green ovate foliage emerges that compliments the white blossom that smothers its branches in late spring. Blooms are the traditional star-shaped, five petalled blooms with yellow stamens that pollinators adore. When fertilised by another cherry tree these blooms develop into large yellow cherries that ripen to bright red as they mature. The flesh is pale and well flavoured for eating straight from the tree as they are less sugary than dark cherries. Fruits appear mid to late season in July and August and are sometimes known as white cherries due to the colour of their flesh.

Height and Spread of Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon
Cherry tree height and spread generally depends on the rootstock. Sweet Cherry Bigarreau Napoléon will grow 6-8 metres on its own roots without pruning, but only a few metres high on dwarf rootstock or when kept smaller with pruning.

How Hardy Is Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon
Sweet Cherry Bigarreau Napoléon is a very hardy cherry if it is kept away from waterlogged conditions. Its blossom is susceptible to late frosts, as all cherry blossoms are, so if a sub-zero forecast is expected cover the blossom with fleece.

How To Use Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon
A beautiful specimen tree for the lawn or border Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon looks good wherever you choose to place it. In spring the blossom is breathtaking and the fruits are adored by gardeners and birds. It’s a great wildlife garden choice. Alternatively you can grow this cultivar of cherry in a large well-watered pot or fan train it along a sunny wall.

How To Care For Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon
Grow this beauty in well-drained fertile soil for the best crop, but it will tolerate most conditions. The more sun you are able to give Sweet Cherry Bigarreau Napoléon the more cherries it will reward you with. This is a self sterile variety that requires a pollination partner, it will provide cross pollination for other varieties but is unable to fruit by itself.

Prunus Avium Bigarreau Napoléon is a very popular cherry in the UK for its tangier taste and easy growth habit. It looks stunning in spring blossom and gives plenty of cherries if you can provide a pollination partner. It’s a great choice for all gardens and a top notch cherry tree.