About
A neat, dense, rounded or conical, evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, shiny leaves and sprays of small, white flowers in early summer followed by dark purple berries.
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, Loam, Clay, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityLeaves harmful if eaten, fruit edible if ripe, but may be harmful if bitter. 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; even thrives on poor, shallow, chalky soils. Good for hedging
PruningPruning group 8. Prune hedges in late spring or early summer
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews