About
A narrow upright deciduous tree, never exceeding 3m in width, ideal for smaller locations, maturing to a height of 6m. Mid-green leaves turn bronze to red in autumn. Large, single white flowers with tassled stamens appear in April.
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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Tolerant of most soil types but does well particularly in chalk. Pollution tolerant. Planting in a sheltered position will help protect spring blossom
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, budding or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus