“Plant trees in a sheltered spot, protected from wind and frost” Plant now for spring blossom
Whether you want productive or just pretty, choose and plant the right tree now, and then sit back and wait for clouds of uplifting blooms, says Louise Curley
After the long, dark months of winter, the sight of blossom against a blue sky is a sure sign that spring is finally on its way, and it will lift the spirits like little else. those delicate flowers covering the bare stems of trees yet to unfurl their leaves might be only a fleeting moment in the gardening year, but the spectacle is a little piece of magic that even the smallest of gardens can accommodate.
If you want blossom, some of the showiest comes courtesy of Japanese cherry trees. But unfortunately many of these grow too vigorously for small gardens, so you’ll need to choose carefully. the compact shrub Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’, however, is small enough to be grown in a container.
Or, to really make the most of your space, plant a blossom tree that is productive rather than purely ornamental. fruiting trees such as apples, pears, plums and the more unusual quince and medlar have subtle blossom in the palest pinks and purest white, but they are no less beautiful and come with the added bonus of rich pickings in autumn. If you live somewhere mild – the south coast or a city in southern england - you could even experiment with growing more exotic crops such as almond and persimmon.
exactly when you can expect to see blossom depends on the weather – a cold spell will delay buds opening, whereas a period of unseasonable warmth will encourage them to open early, putting them at risk of damage by late frosts.
Generally, the blossom season is over
all-too quickly, but by planting early, middle and late-flowering trees it is possible to enjoy months rather than weeks of flowers. For best results, plant in a sheltered spot where they’ll be protected from wind and frost.
Some Japanese cherries need acidic soil, but the majority of blossoming trees are adaptable – just make sure that the
roots do not get waterlogged. As for maintenance, most species require very little in the way of tender loving care, although you will need to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. As a general rule this should be done in late winter; however, cherries should be pruned in midsummer, after flowering, to avoid the risk of silver leaf curl.