Plant of the week

ORNAMENTAL ALMOND Prunus dulcis

ORNAMENTAL almonds have dropped out of fashion and that’s a crying shame. Suitable for gardens or as a street tree, they have an upright habit with a modest crown. The pink buds begin to open in late winter and show up beautifully against the naked branches. Single flowered varieties have goodsized petals. There’s a double flowered variety, too, P. dulcis Roseoplena. Individually, the flowers resemble tiny roses in rich, deep pink. For best results, plant trees where they have space to grow to maturity. Ultimate height seldom exceeds 7m with a 6m spread.