About
A small to medium-sized, deciduous, spreading tree to 8m tall and wide with oval, pointed, dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Small flowers, borne in short-stalked clusters of 2-5, are rose pink becoming paler with age and are produced before the leaves from early to mid spring; flowers are followed by rounded, shiny black fruits.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa