About
A medium, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10m, with a loose, open crown and dull green wrinkled foliage, blue-green on the undersides. The leaves change to yellow and orange in the autumn. Clusters of aromatic white flowers appear in April, followed by glossy black fruits which offer a good food source for birds.
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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by seed, chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can also be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa