Prunus persica var. nectarina (F)

RHS Plant Profile
nectarine

Synonyms

Prunus persica var. nucipersica
Prunus nucipersica

Plants for pollinators
Trees Fruit Edible

Nectarines produce attractive pink blossom in spring that is followed by yellow-red, smooth skinned fruit in mid-summer. Many cultivated nectarines have been derived from this variety.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 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
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Unresolved
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit

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: Nectarines

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

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 glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, and scale may be problematic, especially on wall-trained specimens or those grown in a glasshouse. Squirrels and birds may damage fruit

Diseases

May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, bacterial canker, silver leaf, brown rot and replant diseases may cause problems. Late frosts can damage the blossom