About
A spreading evergreen shrub to 1m tall, with dense, low growth, and narrow, glossy dark green leaves. Small, strongly scented white flowers in erect racemes appear in spring, followed by cherry-like red fruits turning to glossy 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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
CultivationEasy to grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Its spreading habit makes it useful for low hedges and massed planting but may become chlorotic on poorer, shallow chalky soils. Has the potential to become a nuisance 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