About
Prinsepia utilis, the Himalayan cherry prinsepia, is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with spiny, arching branches bearing narrowly oval, fresh-green then dark-green leaves. Small, white, scented flowers are produced along the branches in late winter and early spring, followed by dark-purple berries on long stalks. A rewarding and ornamental shrub for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Prinsepia are arching, spiny, deciduous shrubs with narrow leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers followed by purple or red, cherry-like fruit. Grown in sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun in an open position with room to spread
PruningPruning group 1; cut out any dead wood in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame in autumn or by greenwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free