Prunus is a large plant genus which includes deciduous ornamental flowering plums and cherries and many of the spring flowering fruit and nut trees such as peaches, almonds, plums and cherries. As well as evergreen prunus such as the Portuguese laurel.  There are many species and varieties which differ in size, leaf and flower colour, flower form (single or double) and the time of flowering. Generally, this group of beautiful trees prefers full sunlight, good drainage and a cool, winter climate.


How to grow prunus in a garden

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. If the soil is clay-based, add gypsum and fork in well.
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the tree from the container (or bag if the tree is ‘bare rooted’), gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well with Yates Thrive Natural Seaweed Tonic to help reduce transplant shock and help promote root growth.
  4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Deciduous prunus will require minimal or no watering during winter.
  6. Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

     


How to grow prunus in a pot

  1. Choose a compact or dwarf variety that’s suitable for growing in a container. Choose a pot at least 600mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
  2. Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix. Remove the tree from the container (or bag if the tree is ‘bare rooted’), gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well with Yates Thrive Natural Seaweed Tonic to help reduce transplant shock and help promote root growth.
  4. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Deciduous prunus will require minimal or no watering during winter.
  5. Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

More Plants

Dwarf Pōhutukawa

Dwarf Pōhutukawa (AKA Pacific Rata or Tahitian Pohutukawa) is a fantastic flowering shrub or small tree ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge or screen.

Daphne

Daphne is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in shades of white and pink. Grow in the garden or in pots.

Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Thrive Natural Seaweed Tonic

A 100% bull kelp seaweed tonic. Great for improving plant resistance and protection against pests, drought and frosts -also reduces transplant shock.

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.