Prunus persica

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peach

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Synonyms

Amygdalus persica

Plants for pollinators
Trees Fruit Edible
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A spreading, deciduous tree to 6m, with narrow, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves up to 15cm long. Bowl-shaped, pink or red flowers, 4cm across, are produced in spring, before the leaves, followed by spherical, downy, edible, red-blushed, yellow fruit. Many cultivated varieties of peach have been raised from this species. Whilst the fruits of the species are edible, it is more commonly used for ornamental purposes as the height would make harvesting difficult. The species is also used as rootstock for more commonly grown fruit cultivars

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect flowers from frosts with biodegradable horticultural fleece. Best grown fan-trained, although in the south of England can be grown free-standing bush. See How to grow: Peaches for further cultivation details

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer. Peach cultivars are propagated by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

In milder areas, and in warm sheltered situations may be grown as a free-standing tree, but generally best grown as a fan. Prune after harvest, see Fan trained trees and Pruning established fans. Trees grown for ornamental purposes need little pruning: Pruning group 1.

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to bacterial canker, blossom wilt, brown rot, honey fungus, peach leaf curl and silver leaf.