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Prunus japonica

dwarf flowering cherry

A small shrub to 1.5m with slender, wiry branches and mid-green, lance-shaped leaves. Produces small, single, pink or white flowers in mid-spring occasionally followed by small, sour, dark red fruit

Other common names
oriental bush cherry

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Pink Green
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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 any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil preferably in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 5

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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