Caring For Purple Leaf Peach Trees – Tips On Growing A Purple Leaf Peach Tree
Not all peach trees have the typical green foliage. There are actually peaches with reddish purple leaves that tend to be on the smaller side, thus more easily harvested. These dwarf purple leaf peach trees add pizzazz to any landscape with the added bonus of fruit. If you’re interested in growing a purple leaf peach, read on to find out about purple leaf peach care.
What are Red or Purple Leaf Peach Trees?
There are several peach (Prunus persica) varieties that sport reddish purple leaves. The most common and readily available is ‘Bonfire.’ Bonfire is a dwarf purple leaf peach tree that only grows to about 5 feet in height (1.5 m.) in five years and the same distance across, making it almost more of a shrub than a tree.
This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is tolerant of temperatures down to -10, possibly -20 degrees F. (-23 to -29 C.). These particular peaches with reddish purple leaves are derived from the rootstock of ‘Royal Red Leaf,’ a taller red leaf variety.
As mentioned, the beauty of growing a dwarf purple leaf peach is the easy accessibility of harvest and its hardiness. Unfortunately, by all accounts, the fruit is rather flavorless eaten fresh, but it is edible and can be made into preserves or baked into pies.
Bonfire is also an excellent choice for those with smaller gardens or as a container grown tree. The beautiful lance-shaped leaves of Bonfire retain their color from spring to fall.
Caring for Purple Leaf Peach Trees
Caring for purple-leaf peach trees is the same as for peaches with green foliage. Like all peaches, Bonfire is susceptible to quite a number of insect pests and diseases.
Plant Bonfire peach trees in full sun in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a pH of about 6.5 in the spring or fall. Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and cool roots, taking care to keep the mulch away from the trunk.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Peach trees, in general, are fairly high maintenance requiring watering, pruning, consistent feeding, and spraying for pests and disease. Purple-leaf peach care is much the same, albeit easier to access and treat, prune or harvest due to its smaller height.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
Why You Should Put A Coffee Filter In The Bottom Of Your Plant Pot
If you’ve ever wondered why you should put a coffee filter in the bottom of your plant pot, here’s your chance to find out how it can be of greater service
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
DIY Potting Mix Masterclass: Make Your Own Peat-Free Blends For Plants
Looking to make more of natural potting mix ingredients and boost your peat-free options? Our DIY potting mix masterclass can help you create potting mediums for different plants
By Mary Ellen Ellis