About
Small spreading, deciduous tree about 5m tall, with tapered mid-green leaves to 12cm long. Masses of saucer-shaped, pale pink flowers produced in early spring before the leaves open, are followed by pale green, velvety fruit containing edible nuts ready to pick in early autumn. Fruits from a young age.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 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 a sheltered position in full sun. Fruits can be harvested, at a young age. 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 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