Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa (Rocky Mountain chokeberry) — Bushy

Overview

Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa, known as Rocky Mountain chokeberry, is a bushy deciduous tree belonging to the Prunus genus within the Rosaceae family. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, exposed sites with moderately fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. Its season of interest is spring, reflecting the genus's characteristic prominent spring blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Prunus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Exposed
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Tree
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Pest resistance: Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
Disease resistance: Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus