About
A deciduous tree which can reach a height of between 4 and 6m, with oval-shaped green leaves and glossy, peeling, dark red-brown bark. Pink, funnel-shaped flowers appear in late spring followed by red, fleshy fruits.
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
AspectSouth-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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 chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cherry blackfly and other aphids, apple leaf-mining moth and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa