About
A species of small, slow-growing, upright deciduous shrub to around 1.5m in height, with narrow, glossy dark green foliage, turning to pale yellow in the autumn, and woody stems. These shrubs are produced as an ornamental plant rather than an edible crop within the UK. Although the fruits are edible, they vary in quality and the more bitter seeds may be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Small, almond-shaped fruits encased in a dull yellow, furry case, follow in July to August. Red buds open to bowl-shaped pink flowers appear before the leaves open in April to May, and have a faint scent of bitter almonds.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
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 peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus