About
A small, deciduous tree with pale pink blossom in early spring before the leaves open, followed by pale green, velvety fruit containing edible nuts (almonds) ready to pick in early autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Late frosts may damage early blossom
PruningPruning group 1 as a free-standing tree, may also be fan-trained on a warm wall. See train fan-trained trees and pruning established fans. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by chip budding or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus