About
Compact, bushy and upright, evergreen shrub, to 5m tall. Oblong leaves to 11cm long are orange-bronze when young becoming glossy dark green. Masses of scented white flowers in upright racemes 5-12cm long in mid and late spring are followed by cherry-like red fruits, ripening to black.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
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 plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade, excellent for hedging but may become chlorotic in shallow chalk soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 8, prune evergreen hedges in late spring or early summer
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and laurel leaf diseases