About
A small deciduous tree reaching around 6m eventually. It has palest pink-white blossom early in spring before its green leaves. Hardy enough for the UK, the flowers develop into sweet orange fruits with a pink blush.
About the genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySeed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plantside the kernels of the fruit are harmful if eaten
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep fertile soil which is water-retentive but free-draining. Choose a warm, sheltered spot with good light. See apricot cultivation for further advice
PruningRegular pruning should be carried out to maintain health and productivity. This should be done in summer when in active growth
PropagationPropagate by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, winter moth and damage from birds. if grown under cover, tortrix moth caterpillars and glasshouse red spider mite can be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial canker, honey fungus, blossom wilt, brown rot and silver leaf