Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, acidic soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Prunus persica, commonly called peach, is native to China. It is grown for its luscious fruit but ornamental cultivars are grown chiefly for their flowers and inedible fruit. Species trees grow up to 25' tall and wide but ornamental peach trees sold in commerce today are grafted to rootstocks which control the size of the tree.
Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree.
Specific epithet means Persia. Prunus persica reached Europe from China through Persia.
'Bonfire' is a dwarf shrub which typically grows to 5' tall in 5 years. Features attractive, dark red leaves which hold their color throughout the growing season. Double pink-red flowers are produced in very early spring. Inedible peach-like fruits mature in summer but are often hidden from view by the dense foliage.
Problems
Peaches generally are susceptible to numerous insect problems, including peach twig borer, aphids, spider mites and scale. Also susceptible to numerous disease problems, including peach scab, peach leaf curl, leaf spots, bacterial canker, root rot and mildew. Flowering may be impaired by cold winter temperatures and/or late frosts.
Uses
Grown primarily for its profuse, early spring bloom and persistent dark red foliage. Interesting as a specimen or mixed in the shrub border.