Flowering Prunus Trees: Plum, Peach, Nectarine, and Cherry for Spring Blooms

Prunus Quick Facts

• Deciduous
• Climate zones vary
• Full sun
• Regular to moderate water
• Growth rate varies

These flowering trees—all members of the same genus—are valued for their showy springtime bloom; most also have appealing foliage and an attractive shape. Most produce few or no fruits.

Flowering peach, nectarine, and cherry require well-drained soil; flowering plum is less particular but will fail if soil is waterlogged for long periods. Check with local nurseries for varieties suited to your region.

Flowering Plum (P. cerasifera)

Zones 3–22, 28, 31–34, 39. Purple-leafed selections are widely grown; all are small and fast-growing. 'Krauter Vesuvius' (upright, 18 feet high, 15 feet wide) has dark purple (almost black) leaves and light pink flowers. 'Thundercloud' (20 feet tall and wide) has dark copper leaves and light pink to white blossoms, may produce red fruits. 'Atropurpurea' (20–30 feet tall and wide) usually bears fruit.

Flowering Peach (P. persica)

Zones 2–24, 30–34, 39. Quickly reaching 15–20 feet high and wide. In areas with early, hot springs, choose early-blooming varieties like 'Early Double Pink'. Late-flowering kinds include 'Helen Borchers' (semi-double clear pink) and 'Icicle' (double white)—best where late frosts might damage earlier bloomers.

Flowering Nectarine (P. persica nectarina)

Zones 2–24, 30–34, 39. The sole flowering nectarine, 'Alma Stultz', bears delicate, pink-tinted, fragrant, 2½-inch-wide blossoms with an azalea-like form. Grows quickly to 20 feet high and wide.

Sargent Cherry (P. sargentii)

Zones 2–7, 14–17, 32–41. Reaching 40–50 feet tall and wide, this fast-growing cherry has a spreading, vase-shaped structure and glossy red-brown bark. Spring branches are covered with small clusters of single blush pink blossoms. 'Columnaris' is a narrowly upright selection.