How to Grow Prunus Accolade - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Prunus accolade is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to eastern Asia. It is a member of the rose family and can grow to a height of 15-20m. The leaves are ovate-shaped and measure 5-12cm long and 3-7cm wide. The flowers are white or pink and have five petals. The fruit is a dark purple drupe that measures 1-2cm in diameter.

How to Grow Prunus Accolade - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Prunus laurocerasus
  • Prunus eriocycla
  • Prunus rufa
  • Prunus tomentosa
  • Prunus cerasus

Good to Know

  • The prunus accolade is a deciduous tree that is native to Asia.
  • It is also known as the 'Japanese apricot'.
  • The tree can grow to a height of around 20 metres.
  • The leaves of the tree are oval in shape and measure around 10-15cm in length.
  • The flowers of the prunus accolade are white in colour and measure around 5cm in diameter.
  • The tree typically blooms between the months of March and April.
  • The fruit of the prunus accolade is a small red drupe that measures around 2-3cm in diameter.
  • The tree is prevalent in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea.
  • The wood of the prunus accolade is light in colour and is often used in the making of furniture.
  • The tree is also known to be good for the environment as it helps to improve air quality.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

How to Grow

  1. For prunus accolade, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  2. Prunus accolade requires full sun to partial shade, so make sure the spot you choose gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
  3. Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to prepare the soil.
  4. Prunus accolade prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, so amend the soil accordingly.
  5. It is also important to make sure the soil is well-drained, as this tree does not like wet feet.
  6. Once the soil is ready, it is time to plant your tree.
  7. Prunus accolade can be purchased from a nursery or online.
  8. Plant the tree in the hole, making sure the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  9. Backfill the hole with amended soil, and water the tree deeply.
  10. For the first year, water your tree once a week. After that, water as needed.

Related plant:
Prunus Cerasifera Nigra

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best type of soil for the Prunus accolade is well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The tree can also grow in chalky or loamy soil, but it will produce more flowers and fruit if the soil is of high quality. The Prunus accolade does not tolerate waterlogging, so it is important to make sure that the soil is not too dense.

Light condition

Just like other members of the Prunus genus, the Prunus accolade tree is a sun-loving plant that flourishes in locations that offer full sun exposure. This means that the tree should be planted in an area of your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. In addition to needing plenty of sunlight, the Prunus accolade tree also requires well-drained soil and regular watering.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for the Prunus accolade tree. This species is native to China and thrive in warm, humid conditions. They are also tolerant of cold weather and can survive in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will begin to dry out and drop off. If the humidity stays above 60% for too long, the leaves will develop brown spots.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require too much attention. A little compost in the spring is all that is generally needed to get them started. Once they are established, they are quite drought tolerant and do not need a lot of supplemental watering. As for the roots, they are known to be aggressive and spread quickly, so it is best to plant them in an area where they have plenty of room to grow.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a crucial step in keeping your Prunus accolade healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to promote new growth, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve the overall shape and appearance of the plant. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, sterile pruning shears and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.

About Propagating

Propagation of Prunus Accolade is best done through softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots have formed.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate depends on the growing environment. Well-drained, deep soils with a lot of organic matter usually support high growth rates. Up to three feet of growth per year is not uncommon. Growth is fastest during the first few years after planting. Once a plant reaches its full height, the growth rate generally slows down.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, canker, and blossom end rot. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungi that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. Canker is a brown or black sunken lesion on the stem or trunk of the plant. Blossom end rot is a black or brown rot on the bottom of the fruit. These problems can be controlled by pruning out infected areas, using a fungicide, and/or increasing air circulation around the plant.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your prunus accolade in an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
  • water your plant regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • prune your plant as needed to keep it in shape.
  • keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take corrective action as needed.
  • Harvest your prunus accolade fruit when it is ripe and enjoy!
  • Store any excess fruit in a cool, dark place for later use.
  • If you plan to overwinter your plant, make sure to protect it from the cold weather.
  • Check on your plant regularly throughout the season and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
  • Have fun and experiment with different ways to use your prunus accolade fruit in recipes or as decorations.

Substitution

  • Prunus africana
  • Prunus americana
  • Prunus angustifolia
  • Prunus aurantiaca
  • Prunus avium
  • Prunus cerasifera
  • Prunus cerasus
  • Prunus ciliata
  • Prunus domestica
  • Prunus dulcis

Source:
Species: Prunus 'Accolade' - Cornell University
Scientific Name: Prunus ‘Accolade’ (P - hort.cornell.edu
Scientific Name: Prunus ‘Accolade’ (P - hort.cornell.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category