About
This deciduous, spiny dense shrub or a small tree to 5m tall, with dark stems and ovate green leaves. In spring it is covered with small, double white flowers.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySeed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow hrub or small tree, that can be used for hedging. Grows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf and blossom wilt