Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’ AGM This ornamental Japanese apricot produces beautiful almond-scented carmine-pink flowers on bare branches in February and March. It can be grown in a container in full sun. H&S: 61⁄2ft (2m).
Prunus incisa ‘Mikinori’ Whether grown as a shrub or trained into a small tree, in March this Fuji cherry will be a cloud of pink-white blossom that provides nectar for bees. In autumn, the leaves turn from green to flame shades. Full sun. H&S: 61⁄2ft (2m).
Prunus ‘Kursar’ A pretty ornamental cherry that flowers in March, delighting pollinators with its nectar-rich, deep pink blossom. Bred by the legendary ‘Cherry’ Ingram, it has the added bonus of good autumn leaf colour. Full sun. H&S: 10ft (3m).
Chaenomeles x superba ‘Crimson and Gold’ AGM Striking scarlet flowers with yellow anthers adorn the bare branches of this quince in early spring, while the aromatic fruits that follow can be used in cooking. Happy in sun or partial shade. HxS: 39inx61⁄2ft (1x2m).
Prunus salicina ‘Lizzie’ A Japanese plum that boasts a triple whammy of attractions. In February and March it’s coated in snowy white blossom, before producing a crop of tasty fruit in July. Finally, there’s fiery autumn leaf colour. Grow in sheltered sun. H&S: 10ft (3m).
Prunus persica var. nectarina ‘Nectarella’ A dwarf nectarine that’s ideal for a container in a greenhouse or conservatory, or can be trained against a south-facing wall. The pink flowers arrive in March and there’s tasty fruit in August. H&S: 61⁄2ft (2m).
GAP
All photography Alamy, unless otherwise credited
6 beauties for early blossom
‘Collingwood Ingram’ and Plum ‘Spring Glow’ are coated in pink blooms) all the way to the end of May, when crab apples such as ‘Adirondack’ and ‘Tina’ finish the show. Make room for these gems and let the romance of spring blossom charm you year after year.
Where to buy Ashridge Nurseries ashridgetrees.co.uk 01963 359444 Frank P Matthews frankpmatthews.com 01584 812800 Pippin Trees pippintrees.co.uk 01759 392007 29 FEBRUARY 2020 AMATEUR GARDENING
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