About
A fast-growing, ornamental, deciduous peach tree to around 3-4m in height with masses of dark red buds opening to large, double perfumed, bright, raspberry-red flowers appearing in the spring. The blossom is followed by green leaves which turn fiery red in the autumn. Small, furry, white-fleshed fruits appear end of summer into early autumn. Although generally grown as an ornamental, the fruits are edible if they have been grown for this purpose. More frost-hardy and disease-resistant than other varieties, and will tolerate pruning after flowering, so can be left to form a natural shape or shaped into a sphere, cube or other similar form. Ideal for a patio container in a sheltered location away from strong winds.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position, sheltered from strong winds. Ideal in a container on a sunny patio. See how to grow: Peaches for further advice
PruningPruning group 1. Will tolerate pruning after flowering or prun 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 aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus