Reliance Peach
Prunus persica 'Reliance', 'Veteran', 'Contender'
Reliance Peach (Prunus persica 'Reliance', 'Veteran', 'Contender') 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. Later blooming; more reliable fruit set.
medium water12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus persica 'Reliance', 'Veteran', 'Contender'
- Variety / cultivar
- Reliance, Veteran, Contender
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
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.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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 Reliance Peach good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Reliance 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 Reliance Peach get?
- It matures to about 12–20 ft tall and 12–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Reliance Peach need?
- Give Reliance Peach about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Reliance Peach grow into?
- Reliance 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 Reliance Peach hardy on the Front Range?
- Reliance 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 Reliance Peach need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Reliance Peach grow?
- Reliance Peach is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Reliance Peach live?
- Reliance 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 Reliance Peach safe for dogs?
- No. Reliance Peach is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Reliance Peach deer-resistant?
- No. Reliance Peach is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Reliance Peach prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Reliance 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.
