PRUNUS
Commonly known as Portugal laurel
The family of stone fruits, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and almonds, and a dazzling array of ornamentals, all within the greater rose family. In Japan sakura zensen (the cherry blossom front) is followed northwards and is a cause of much celebration.
Because cherry flowers bloom en masse and because of their ephemeral nature they can provide one of the best horticultural events of the year when even a modest tree can provide a snowstorm of petals, falling to cover the ground beneath.
Genus of more than 200 species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs widely distributed in northern temperate regions and the mountains of southeastern Asia. Because of their food and ornamental value they have been transported to most parts of the world where some have become naturalised.
UK natives are P. avium, wild cherry, P. padus, bird cherry and P. spinosa, blackthorn or sloe.
Plant Details
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Pests & Diseases
Aphids, caterpillars, peach leaf curl, silver leaf, honey fungus, blossom wilt. -
Place of origin
South west Europe -
EvergreenLeaves narrowly margined with white
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Silver variegated
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Height
20m (70ft) -
Spread
20m (70ft)
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FruitPlants which produce an edible or ornamental fruitCherry-like red fruit
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Tall Shrub
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harmful if eaten
(People & Pets) -
Mature Size20m (70ft)
20m (70ft)
