Prunus persica Taoflora Red - Peach Tree

The Prunus persica 'Taoflora Red' is a recent and still rare Vietnamese variety. This graceful and resistant bush offers an early generous spring flowering, frost hardy. The branches are covered with a profusion of double flowers, raspberry red before the bud burst period of the leaves. This peach tree bears small edible white peaches in late summer. Undemanding, it will find its place in all gardens, and will adapt to all climates.

The Red Flowering Peach 'Taoflora' belongs to the rose family, it is a variety obtained in Vietnam in 2007 whose ancestor, Prunus persica (Peach), is a species native to Shan-xi, a province in northern China and Mongolia. The growth of this peach tree is fast. Its mature size will reach 3 m (10ft) in height and 2.5 m (8ft) in width. It is a deciduous small bush with an arboreous and open habit. In March-April, very numerous double and melliferous flowers appear all along the branches, with a diameter of 5-6 cm (2in). They are followed in September-October by small wild peaches (5 to 6 cm (2in) with a fuzzy skin that is edible. The leaves are narrow, elliptical, pointed, 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) long.

The Flowering Peach must be planted in a well-drained soil and in a sunny position. Very hardy, it tolerates pruning into a ball or cube shape; in fact, according to each person's inspiration, its silhouette can be easily shaped. Prunus persica 'Taoflora Red' can be planted as a single specimen, or in combination with other ornamental trees or bushes, including other Prunus varieties such as Prunus cerasifera, Prunus triloba, Prunus x amygdalopersica. There is no shortage of choices among these flowering prunus trees that will create an enchanted setting along a sunken alley. Note that its resistance once established, and the hardiness of this bush, allow its cultivation in many situations.

In Asia, the flowering branches are offered as a sign of happiness in spring. One can be inspired by this charming tradition by cutting a few well-budded branches to enjoy its graceful flowering in a bouquet at home.