About
A deciduous shrub or small tree to 3.5m high, with an upright, rounded habit. Very free flowering in early spring, with small, single, saucer-shaped white blossoms to 2cm across. Leaves are small, ovate, sharply toothed and turn orange and red in autumn.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a humus-rich, free-draining soil that does not stay wet over winter. Will do well in a sunny spot with some protection from strong winds and frost
PruningPruning group 1; little pruning required other than removing crossing branches from the crown while the tree is becoming established
PropagationPropagate by budding in late summer, or grafting in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus