About
Small, upright, vase-shaped deciduous tree about 5-6m tall, with serrated dark green leaves, turning orange and yellow in autumn. Single pale pink flowers are produced in masses, throughout early spring.
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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, with shelter. Late frosts may damage early blossom
PruningPruning group 1 in summer to minimise silver leaf
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, budding or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus