Prunus caroliniana

Flowers

• Appearance: The flowers are small, creamy white, and fragrant, arranged in dense, upright clusters called racemes that measure 2–5 inches long. The flowers add a delicate, ornamental touch to the plant.
• Bloom Time: Blooms in early to mid-spring, creating a fresh and inviting display that signals the arrival of the season.
• Fragrance: Lightly sweet and pleasant, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers are a nectar source for various pollinators, making this plant an ecologically beneficial choice.

Foliage

• Appearance: The leaves are lance-shaped, measuring 2–4 inches long, with a glossy, deep green surface and finely serrated edges. The rich color and shiny texture lend a polished, elegant look to the plant.
• Texture: Smooth and leathery, contributing to its durability and resistance to pests and environmental stress.
• Evergreen Habit: Retains its vibrant green foliage year-round, providing consistent color and structure in the landscape.
• Growth Habit: Dense, bushy growth creates a lush canopy that serves as an excellent privacy screen or windbreak.

The combination of fragrant spring flowers and lush, glossy evergreen foliage makes Prunus caroliniana a standout choice for hedges, screens, and ornamental plantings in both formal and informal gardens.

Planting Requirements

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates full shade, it will grow more densely and flower better with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate to allow for root establishment.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
• Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during extended dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as it prefers moderately dry soil.

Fertilization

• Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• Mulching with organic material can help retain moisture, improve soil fertility, and suppress weeds.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter to early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth.
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
• For hedges or screens, trim more frequently to maintain a uniform shape.

Growth Habit and Size

• Grows as an upright, dense evergreen shrub or small tree, with a moderate to fast growth rate.
• Can reach a mature height of 15–40 feet and a width of 10–20 feet, depending on growing conditions and pruning.

Pests and Diseases

• Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally experience infestations of caterpillars, aphids, or scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as needed.
• Rarely affected by diseases, though root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.

Special Features

• Flowers: Clusters of small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers bloom in early spring, providing seasonal interest and attracting bees and other pollinators.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves are lance-shaped, with a smooth texture and serrated edges. The foliage remains attractive year-round.
• Fruit: Produces small, black, berry-like fruits that mature in late summer to fall. While ornamental, the fruit is toxic if ingested by humans but serves as a food source for birds.

Winter Care

• Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. Requires no special winter care in its native range, as it tolerates mild frosts and winter conditions.

Landscape Uses

• Excellent for use as a hedge, screen, or windbreak due to its dense growth and evergreen habit.
• Can also serve as a specimen tree in larger gardens or as a backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials.

Additional Tips

• Regularly monitor for suckers at the base and remove them to prevent unwanted spread.
• Plant in areas where its rapid growth can be appreciated, as it can quickly establish a dense privacy barrier.

Summary
With its glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and versatility in the landscape, Prunus caroliniana is an excellent low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive shrub or tree.