Prunus dulcis (Almond)

Botanical name

Prunus dulcis

Other names

Prunus amygdalus Batsch., Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Almond, Common almond, Sweet almond tree

Genus

Prunus Prunus

Species

P. dulcis - P. dulcis is a medium sized tree with a spreading, open canopy, carrying fragrant white or pink spring flowers followed by sweet almond nuts in autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Open branches, Spreading, Upright

Colour

Flower

Pale-pink in Spring

Foliage

Green in Spring; Yellow, Bronze in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Leaf mining moths , Bullfinches , Caterpillars

Specific diseases

Bacterial canker , Blossom wilt , Silver leaf

General care

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings, Budding, Grafting

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Prunus dulcis (Almond) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Cottage/Informal

Cultivation

Grown in deep, moist, free-draining, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Plant at least two trees for best pollination and cropping. Should produce nuts after 3 years.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Prunus dulcis (Almond)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Prunus dulcis (Almond)

Common pest name

Chlorotic leafroll of apricot; Chlorotic leafroll of nectarine; Chlorotic leafroll of peach; Decline of Japanese plum; Decline of peach; Dieback of apricot; European stone fruit yellows; European yellows of peach; Italian rosette of peach; Leptonecrosis of plum; MoliŠres disease of cherry; Vein clearing of peach; Vein enlargement of peach

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

EU regulation appears satisfactory for UK; willing to participate in future review of EU listing.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Prunus dulcis (Almond)

Common pest name

Peach red-necked longhorn; Plum and peach longhorn; red-necked longhorn

Scientific pest name

Aromia bungii

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A pest mainly of Prunus previously intercepted in the UK on wooden packaging imported from China. There have been longstanding outbreaks of the pest in Italy; a source of significant trade in plants for instant landscapes; and also findings in Germany. The UK will press for early EU regulation and consider UK national measures if risk increases.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/