Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' This lovely evergreen shrub is a delightful, compact version of its species. It grows at a moderate pace, reaching a height of about 10 feet with a spread of 3 to 6 feet, but you can easily prune it to keep it smaller. The plant boasts attractive, glossy, bright green leaves that measure 2 to 3 inches long and are narrowly elliptic with slightly wavy edges. When you crush the leaves, they release a wonderful scent reminiscent of cherries or almond extract. In late winter to early spring, sweetly fragrant white flowers peek through the foliage, followed by charming purple-black berries. Plant this beauty in full to part sun and ensure it has well-drained soil. Once it's established, it’s quite drought-tolerant, though it has shallow roots, so a little occasional watering goes a long way. It can handle temperatures as low as 0°F and is known for being resilient against heat, wind, and dry conditions. This dwarf variety features smaller leaves, tighter branching, and shorter internodes. Thanks to its durability and compact growth, it makes a fantastic hedge plant in coastal California gardens. You can prune it into a narrow screening hedge, shape it into a topiary or column, or even train it into a small tree. The lovely flowers attract butterflies and bees, and the delightful fall fruit is a feast for birds. Just keep in mind that if the plant is regularly pruned, it may not produce flowers and fruit. It's also worth noting that all parts of this plant are toxic, with the leaves containing a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, which makes them unpalatable to deer and potentially dangerous to livestock. This species hails from coastal Virginia down to northern Florida, spreading west to Louisiana and east Texas, and it flourishes up to an elevation of 500 feet. BONAP MAP Height: 6'-12'Spread: 3'-6'Bloom: February-AprilLight: Full Sun-Part ShadeWater: MediumZone: 7-10Origin: Texas, Southern United States
