About
Slow-growing, low, spreading evergreen shrub, about 30cm tall and 75cm wide, with oblong, glossy dark green leaves to 11cm long making a dense mound. Rarely flowers but provides useful groundcover or low edging.
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, Full shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 low 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