Prunus tenella 'FIRE HILL' dwarf Russian almond

Dwarf Russian almond is a profusely flowering, deciduous shrub from Russia, mostly western part of Siberia. It grows sparsely in our country, too, mainly in Moravia and is a protected plant. Sometimes it is mistaken for mezereon for its flowers and habit look similar.

It is a moderately, upright growing shrub with dense branching of erect, broom-like twigs. The leaves are deciduous, 4-8 cm long, inversely lance-shaped, and appear from mid spring along with the flowers. These are usually pink to rosy pink, and in case of this variety called Fire Hill they are very deep pink, almost purple-red. They appear in April and May on last year’s growths.

Dwarf Russian almond is a dense shrub, yet providing an airy feeling, and tends to bend its branches a little with age. If you wish to keep it compact we recommend pruning it when young to secure good shape and firm framework. If you want to prune it do so immediately after flowering so that the plant has enough time to make new branches that will flower the following year. It grows in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Extremely hardy to about -45°C (USDA zone 2).

Last update 14-02-2012