Prunus persica 'Empress' ~ Empress Peach

Prunus persica 'Empress' ~ Empress PeachEmpress Dwarf Peach is a true dwarf deciduous tree primarily grown for its fruit. Showy blooms of fragrant pink flowers bloom in spring attracting butterflies. The large, sweet clingstone peaches have yellow flesh and bright red flushed skin that ripens in July. Grows best in full sun and rich, moist well drained soils. Empress is a self pollinator but sets fruit better with another cultivar. Has to be staked to support fruit weight. Type: Tree

Empress Dwarf Peach is a true dwarf deciduous tree primarily grown for its fruit.  Showy blooms of fragrant pink flowers bloom in spring attracting butterflies. The large, sweet clingstone peaches have yellow flesh and bright red flushed skin that ripens in July.  Grows best in full sun and rich, moist well-drained soils.  Empress is a self pollinator but sets fruit better with another cultivar.  Has to be staked to support fruit weight.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  High Maintenance. Needs regular watering.  Peaches have a lot of pest and disease issues and need regular spraying to ensure good crop.  Potential pests include tree borer, fruit moth, root nematodes, and aphids.   Late spring frosts can severely damage flower buds.  Fallen fruit can be messy if not harvested.

 LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Garden, Naturalized Areas, Ponds and Streams, Edible Gardens, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Rosemary, Strawberry, Pomegranate 

Image: Photo by Chris Fannin, Peaches