Overview
Prunus 'Opal' is a plant with a bushy, spreading habit in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus 'Opal' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedging, screening and specimen planting.
About
Prunus 'Opal' is a bushy, spreading cultivar of the Prunus genus, which includes flowering trees and shrubs known for producing stone fruits such as cherries and plums. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun with a south-facing aspect and prefers sheltered locations. It grows best in moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, Prunus 'Opal' is suitable for hedging, screening, or specimen planting and can be propagated by softwood cuttings or grafting.
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Prunus 'Opal' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Hedging, Screening, Specimen planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus 'Opal'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Caterpillars, Bullfinches
- Disease resistance
- Silver leaf, Honey fungus, Blossom wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus 'Opal'?
Prunus 'Opal' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Prunus 'Opal' need?
Prunus 'Opal' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Prunus 'Opal' hardy in the UK?
Prunus 'Opal' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Prunus 'Opal'?
Softwood cuttings, Grafting.
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