Peach Tree Variety

Question

Hello, I’m sorry to trouble you, and am not even sure if this is something you can advise me on. I purchased from a website ‘Dwarf Patio Peach Tree ‘Bonanza” (tree1 photo attached) After much research I had chosen that variety as being the most suitable for my small garden. Delivery was prompt, but I was disappointed to receive a different tree ‘Prunus Persica Suncrest’ (tree2 & tree3 in photos). On checking the details of the ‘Suncrest’ I find it is a much larger tree than the ‘Bonanza’, as well as not appearing to be as fast growing and heavy cropping.

I telephoned the company I purchased it from, and was told the tree I had been sent was the correct one, but it had been wrongly labelled by their supplier. I said I found it very difficult to believe any company receiving trees with such large, but inaccurate, labels would not return them, or at the very least not send them out as such to their customers. I was given many excuses as to why the situation had arisen, none of them convincing, and she continued to insist I had been sent the correct tree. I can return it, but as they are not admitting to any fault, I would have to pay the return cost (to Ireland) myself.

When comparing the two trees, to me they do appear to be different varieties. I of course appreciate the Bonanza was photographed when in leaf, but even so you can see there is a difference in the spacing and spread of the branches, and the ‘nobbly bits’ are much more numerous and closer together than on the Suncrest.

Needless to say, I don’t like being tricked, and I don’t want to look out of my window in a few years and see a 14 foot high peach tree!!

Would it be possible for you to let me know what you think?

Many thanks for your time.

Liz Hall

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the look and nature of a tree can vary greatly. Even if they are the same cultivar. With this being said, it would be almost impossible to tell which tree you have until it is fully grown and producing. The fruit will give the clues. Either way, it is important to note that if you decide to plant the tree in ground, that it will get much taller than its container size, as it is intended for container production. To maintain a suitable size with any tree, you can keep it in container. I am sorry I cannot be of much help here, and I hope that your problem can be resolved.