About
Prunus dulcis, the almond, is an upright, spreading, deciduous tree producing lance-shaped, toothed dark-green leaves. Pink or white, scented blossom is produced on bare stems in early spring, followed by oval-shaped green fruit encasing edible almond nuts. A beautiful and productive ornamental for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe, SW Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a sunny, sheltered site with moist but well-drained, fertile soil, away from frost pockets. Can be grown as a standard or bush in milder areas, or fan-trained against a south-facing wall; final size will depend on the rootstock used. Almond blossom is very early, so flowers may need protection from frost.
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by grafting in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids; caterpillars and birds can cause damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, honey fungus, bacterial canker and brown rot. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa