About
A small, columnar tree to 6m with upright branches and lance-shaped foliage which develops good autumn colour. In mid-spring produces drooping clusters of small, white, bowl-shaped flowers with long, hanging stamens giving the effect of tassels.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1, ideally in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf infection
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa