About
A deciduous, spiny shrub or small tree, to 6m tall, with ovate leaves that emerge bright red in spring before deepening to a dark red-purple. Saucer-shaped pale pink to white flowers are borne in early to mid-spring and followed by ovoid, blue-bloomed fruits that turn a shiny black.
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, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationGrows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun; can be used for hedging
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceSusceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to silver leaf and blossom wilt