Forest Peach Plant Care

Forest Peach (Pseudoscolopia polyantha) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Pseudoscolopia genus. Forest Peach is native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal.

Forest Peach displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Forest Peach produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Forest Peach every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Forest Peach thrives in partial to full sun.

Pseudoscolopia polyantha tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Forest Peach prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Forest Peach to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Forest Peach every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Forest Peach is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Forest Peach can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Forest Peach while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Forest Peach is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Forest Peach can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Forest Peach is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Forest Peach grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Forest Peach is native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal. In cooler regions, grow Forest Peach as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.