Prunus persica 'Duke of York' (F)

• 
  RHS Plants for Pollinators plants

  This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

  It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.

  • Garden Plants
  • Wildflowers
  • Plants of the World

Cultivation

Grow in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect flowers from frosts with biodegradable horticultural fleece. Best grown fan-trained, although in the south of England can be grown free-standing bush. See How to grow: Peaches for further cultivation details

Propagation

Peaches are propagated by grafting onto a rootstock for fruit. Or propagate by seed, although the fruit from the seedlings is likely to be inferior in flavour to the parent. Seed-raised trees take four to five years to bear fruit

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• Cottage and informal garden
• Wildlife gardens
• Wall side borders
• Edible fruit

Pruning

Prune established fans in spring and summer. Free standing peaches are pruned in the same way as pruning acid cherries

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, and scale may be problematic, especially on wall-trained specimens or those grown in a glasshouse. Squirrels may damage fruit

Diseases

Protect peaches against peach leaf curl, by covering the plant from autumn to spring. Bacterial canker, silver leaf, brown rot and replant diseases may cause problems