About

Deciduous tree with a pyramidal crown, about 8m tall, with bronze new foliage in spring, becoming green in summer then orange-red and yellow autumn. Masses of perfumed, white blossom in early spring before the leaves cover the tree.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, with shelter. Late frosts may damage early blossom
PruningPruning group 1 in summer to minimise silver leaf
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, budding or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus