About

Prunus maritima, the beach plum, is a deciduous Prunus producing a well-formed shrub or small tree with attractive bark and showy, often fragrant blossom in spring. A rewarding and ornamental Prunus for a sunny garden.

About the genus

Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.

Plant details

Suggested usesSpecimen trees, avenues, borders. Outstanding spring blossom

Care notes

CultivationModerately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPrune in midsummer to avoid silver leaf. Remove dead or crossing branches
PropagationGrafting or budding for cultivars. Some from hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceAphids, caterpillars, bullfinch damage to buds
Disease resistanceSilver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt. Prune only in dry summer weather