The Flowering Peach tree, prunus persica, is a member of the Rosaceae family. Ornamental peach trees were cultivated in China for thousands of years before being introduced to western countries about 300 years ago. These trees are often considered to be one of the most attractive of the flowering trees. Willis Orchard Company offers upright, weeping, and dwarf varieties of the flowering ornamental peach trees.

The peach tree blossoms on a flowering tree vary from single to double bloomed, with color variations of light to dark pink, white, red or variegated. These peach tree blooms emerge early Spring, creating a beautiful sight from the starkness of Winter. Every flower blooms either separately or in pairs on peduncles, a short stalk. These tightly clustered blooms often make them appear to be growing in groups rather than on single stem. Cleistogamy, the process of self-pollination, occurs in these peach tree blooms before the bud even opens.

Flowering peach trees have the ability to grow in various soil conditions, however, they prefer to be in well drained, loamy soil. These blooming peach trees perform best when planted in full sun although they can tolerate some shade in your warmer climates. Blooms form on the previous year wood growth, so pruning is a necessity for optimal performance. Pruning is recommended immediately after blooms dissipate in spring. Winter pruning is not efficient as it would remove buds for the upcoming year. Once established, fertilize established trees in early Spring and again in late Summer.