About
A small, upright, rounded, usually multi-stemmed deciduous tree to around 8m in height, with glossy, cinnamon-red peeling bark and mid-green leaves, toothed at the edges which turn golden yellow in the autumn. Single white flowers appear in mid-spring. An attractive variety offering year-round interest.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, 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 caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa