Elberta Peach
Prunus persica 'Elberta', 'Polly', 'Red Haven'
Elberta Peach (Prunus persica 'Elberta', 'Polly', 'Red Haven') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Unreliable fruit set along the front range.
medium water12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "Peach / Prunus persica / 花桃(ハナモモ)" by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Prunus persica Bonfire blossom NBG" by Puddin Tain is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: no rights reserved, uploaded by spresogna
- Photo 4: (c) Evan M. Raskin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Evan M. Raskin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: (c) Yair Haklai, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- pink
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Elberta Peach good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Elberta Peach is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Elberta Peach get?
- It matures to about 12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Elberta Peach need?
- Give Elberta Peach about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Elberta Peach grow into?
- Elberta Peach typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Elberta Peach hardy on the Front Range?
- Elberta Peach is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Elberta Peach need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Elberta Peach grow?
- Elberta Peach is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Elberta Peach live?
- Elberta Peach is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Elberta Peach safe for dogs?
- No. Elberta Peach is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Elberta Peach deer-resistant?
- No. Elberta Peach is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Elberta Peach prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Elberta Peach can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
