Prunus polytricha — Bushy

Overview

Prunus polytricha is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. 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

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
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.

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.

More in the Prunus genus

Browse all Prunus →