About
A spreading, deciduous tree to 6m, with narrow, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves up to 15cm long. The species is also used as rootstock for more commonly grown fruit cultivars. Whilst the fruits of the species are edible, it is more commonly used for ornamental purposes as the height would make harvesting difficult. Many cultivated varieties of peach have been raised from this species. Bowl-shaped, pink or red flowers, 4cm across, are produced in spring, before the leaves, followed by spherical, downy, edible, red-blushed, 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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect flowers from frosts with biodegradable horticultural fleece. Best grown fan-trained, although in the south of England can be grown free-standing bush. See How to grow: Peaches for further cultivation details
PruningIn milder areas, and in warm sheltered situations may be grown as a free-standing tree, but generally best grown as a fan. Prune after harvest, see Fan trained trees and Pruning established fans. Trees grown for ornamental purposes need little pruning: Pruning group 1.
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer. Peach cultivars are propagated by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to bacterial canker, blossom wilt, brown rot, honey fungus, peach leaf curl and silver leaf.