PRUNUS

Commonly known as cherry or cherry plum, Prunus includes both ornamental and fruiting species-cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, and nectarines-that are naturally widespread throughout the northern temperate regions and also have a toehold in South America. The genus also includes a wide range of shrubs and trees, many of them deciduous. Most bloom from late winter to early summer, producing flowers either singly or in clusters, in colors from white through to dark pink, followed by fleshy single-seeded fruit. The leaves are usually simple pointed ellipses, often with serrated edges, which sometimes develop brilliant autumn colors. Prunus persica is the state flower of Delaware.


CULTIVATION


Plant in moist, fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil in full sun. Provide some protection from strong wind. Propagate the fruiting plants by grafting, and the ornamental plants by grafts or in some cases by cuttings.


Top Tip


Correct pruning techniques are vital for fruiting varieties of Prunus, but less so for ornamentals, if silverleaf disease is present, cut back in summer rather than in winter.