Prunus persica ('Nigra') 'BONFIRE'

Bonfire is a spectacular new variety of dwarf ornamental peach with edible fruit. It has profusion of typical peach-like, light pink flowers that are clustered along short branches in a dense crown. The leaves are fantastic deep burgundy red and glossy, narrow and elongated, and not much smaller than on a classic peach tree. Extreme density of leaves on a dwarf crown creates an amazing appearance.

Fruit is small, purplish red and yellow, the skin is slightly hairy and may taste a little bitter but if the fruit is eaten fully mature in mid autumn the juicy flesh is sweet and aromatic. Leave the fruit on the tree until it softens a little – end September or October, then it tastes good. But don’t wait for the wasps to discover them.

As with other peach trees, this one, too, needs to be treated against leaf-curl. As soon as the buds burst treat it with an anti-leaf-curl solution (available in every good garden centre).

Peach trees need moist but well-drained soil. It must be humus rich with enough nitrogen. Do not prune this variety. Grow it in full sun. Fully hardy to min. -27°C.

Last update 07-09-2009; 12-02-2013