About
This spreading, deciduous tree to around 9m, with green shoots and dark green leaves. aromatic flowers, from white to dark pink, are produced on bare branches in late winter and early spring, followed by edible but sour, apricot-like, yellow fruit.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina, Laos, Vietnam
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil preferably in full sun or light shade
PruningMinimal pruning needed. Remove any dieback promptly
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceCan suffer from aphids and caterpillar damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, honey fungus, blossom wilt and bacterial canker. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa