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Prinsepia utilis

Himalayan cherry prinsepia

A medium-sized deciduous shrub, with spiny, arching branches bearing narrowly oval leaves, bright green at first, darkening with age. Small, white, scented flowers are produced along the branches in late winter and early spring, followed by dark purple berries on long stalks

Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green Purple
Autumn Green Purple
Winter White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Prinsepia are arching, spiny, deciduous shrubs with narrow leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers followed by purple or red, cherry-like fruit

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun in an open position with room to spread

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame in autumn or by greenwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1; cut out any dead wood in summer

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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