Overview
Prunus polytricha is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2–12 metres tall. Prunus polytricha grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Prunus polytricha (Chinese: 多毛樱桃, hairy cherry, or 多毛野樱桃, hairy wild cherry) is a species of cherry native to Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China, typically found at 1100–3300 m above sea level. It is a shrub or low tree typically 2–12 m tall and prefers mesic hills and forest edges. It is found in old growth oak forests and in semi-cultivation in windbreaks. Its buds, leaves and seeds are consumed by the golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana). In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus polytricha
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
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Prunus polytricha size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2–12 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus polytricha
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus polytricha?
Prunus polytricha prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus polytricha need?
Prunus polytricha is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Prunus polytricha grow?
Prunus polytricha reaches a height of 2–12 metres.
Is Prunus polytricha hardy in the UK?
Prunus polytricha has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Prunus polytricha?
Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.
