Prunus persica 'Garden Lady' (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 moist, but well-drained soil in full sun, or in a large container (45-50cm across) in peat-free, loam-based compost, or a 2:1 mix of peat-free multipurpose compost and grit. Take pots under glass, or cover with biodegradable horticultural fleece, in early spring to protect flowers from frosts. Hand pollination may be needed if insects are scarce. See fruit in containers

Propagation

Propagate by grafting onto rootstocks for fruit or can be propagated 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

• City and courtyard gardens
• Patio and container plants
• Wildlife gardens
• Flower borders and beds
• Edible fruit

Pruning

Pruning group 1; dwarf cultivars need little or no pruning

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, and scale insects may be problematic. Squirrels may damage fruit

Diseases

Protect peaches against peach leaf curl by taking plants under glass, or covering the plant from autumn to spring. Bacterial canker, silver leaf, brown rot and blossom wilt diseases may cause problems