Overview
Prunus canescens is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus canescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Prunus canescens, the gray-leaf cherry (and hoary cherry, although that name is also used for Prunus incana), is a species of cherry native to China, found in Hubei and Sichuan provinces. A shrubby tree, it grows to about 3 m. It is a parent of a number of hybrid rootstocks for sweet cherries, and occasionally grown as an ornamental for its attractive shiny brown bark. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus canescens
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Prunus canescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus canescens
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus canescens?
Prunus canescens prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus canescens need?
Prunus canescens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Prunus canescens hardy in the UK?
Prunus canescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Prunus canescens?
Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.
More in the Prunus genus
- Prunus 'Senriko'
- Prunus 'Uzu-zakura'
- Prunus armeniaca 'Ips336'PBR
- Prunus armeniaca 'Kioto'PBR (F)
- Prunus avium 'Bicolam' (F)
- Prunus avium 'Ferdouce'wild cherry 'Ferdouce'
- Prunus avium 'Spc342'PBR
- Prunus cornutaHimalayan bird cherry
