Monday, April 5, 2010

Bonfire Patio Peach Tree (Prunus Persica Durazo 'Bonfire Patio')




General Culture:

These petite ornamental peach trees grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. They prefer moist, acidic soil. Zone 5 - 8.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This peach cultivar is a dwarf which typically grows to 5' tall in 5 years. It 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. But preventative spraying is easy on a tree this size, and there are organic spray solutions available. Peaches of all varieties are also susceptible to numerous disease problems, including peach scab, peach leaf curl, leaf spots, bacterial canker, root rot and mildew, but again, a little preventative spraying can protect these trees.

Uses:

Grown primarily for its profuse, early spring bloom and persistent dark red foliage. Interesting as a specimen or mixed in the shrub border.



4 comments:

millernlucy said...

I have one of these and it got, I believe overwatered by a friend while I was on vaca. The leaves have turned green, and there are now some orange looking leaves speratically. It still is holding its peaches should I pull them? And also I was told a good drenching in dawn and water should clear off any bugs I may not want, what do you think? Is it ok? I should also mention I am south Louisiana, pretty hot. Thanks I am worried about it!!!!

Victoria Gardens said...

If your patio peach is in a pot, make sure it has good drainage holes. It may have gotten over watered, but if you monitor the moisture level of the soil now, it should recover.

If it's established in the ground, a good rule of thumb is 1" of irrigation per week during the active growing season on average.

You may want to give the tree a root treatment, we use a product called Quick-start from Miracle-gro, when ever a tree of shrub is showing signs of stress.

But bugs, especially peach tree bores could also be the cause. Inspect the tree for any reddish goo-like substance on the branches or oozing from the trunk.

Dish soap and water will kill some insects like aphids, but if you have peach tree borers (which make holes in the trunk near or under the soil line, you will need to apply nematodes (ask if your local nursery or Garden Center if they carry them).

Apply parasitic nematodes into borer tunnels with a squeeze bottle applicator while the peach tree borer larvae are feeding most actively and the tunnels are largest, usually in mid- to late summer.

Read more: Peach Tree Borer Information | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/810-peach-tree-borer-information.html#ixzz0u2wX9l00

And Good luck.

Cheryl said...

I bought this tree about 6 years ago at my local grocery store of all places. I had no idea what an amazing addition it would be to my landscape or I would have purchased two! I've never been able to eat a peach though the tag says it produces edible peaches. They rot before they rippen. But last year, under this beautiful tree, I found two pits split with new seedlings! They wintered over in a burried pot. How long should I leave them in a pot before finding a permanent placement and planting them? They're about 6 - 8" tall now. I live on L.I., N.Y. and am a bit colder than zone 7b due to winds from surrounding open fields. Thanks!

Victoria Gardens said...

Cheryl,
Lucky you! Isn't it so wonderful to find a gift like that in your garden?

You should be able to plant your saplings in the ground anytime, as long as you can protect them from the weedwacker and lawn mower. They would do very well in garden soil and they are cold hardy to zone 5.

Keep them consistently watered. If the tree suffers stress, such as drought, the patio peaches can be susceptible to peach borers and other pests. So just watch the water.

Good luck!