About
A fast-growing, very hardy evergreen shrub to around 2m in height, with large, glossy dark green foliage and bright, fiery red new shoots, like a Photinia, which remain on the plant throughout the season and transition from red to orange and yellow shades before becoming green. Shows good resistance to shot hole disease and mildew. Makes a great hedge or border or specimen shrub, and is tolerant of urban pollution.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Has the potential to become a nuisance plant if not managed well
PruningPruning group 8 including 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 powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases