Prunus angustifolia
Chicasa plum
A large, suckering shrub if left to develop naturally, but can be trained as a small tree up to 6m high. Has glossy, red-brown bark on young branches and shiny, narrowly oval, dark green leaves. Bears small, white flowers in early spring, before the leaves, followed by bright red, sour but edible fruit, 1cm across, turning yellow when fully ripe in late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- 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
- Plant range
- S. USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil preferably in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Edible fruit
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1, ideally in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf infection
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
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