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TreesFruit Edible

Prunus persica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

peach

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

Synonyms
Amygdalus persica
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Green
Summer Green Red Yellow
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
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 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.

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