Overview
A small, early flowering Japanese apricot that has almond scented blossom in late winter and early spring.
 
Description
Beni-chidori is an elegant little tree with a compact habit, making it ideal for small gardens and container growing.  This Japanese apricot, also known as Chinese plum, has many attractive qualities.  The first being that it flowers much earlier than most, when there is little colour around.  It has deep pink, single flowers that appear on bare branches that last a notably long time, 3-4 weeks.  Oh did we mention that the flowers have a beautiful almond-like scent too.  As the flowers begin to fade to a lighter shade of pink, they are then occasionally replaced with edible yellow fruits but these tend to be on the bitter side!  During summer the glossy foliage is mid-green which then takes on apricot-orange tints through autumn.
 
Planting Position
This Japanese apricot will grow in most soils and is tolerant of clay, but do ensure it is well-drained.  As with all fruit trees, for the best blossom and autumn colour, choose an area in full sun, protected from strong winds.
 
Attributes
Beni-chidori has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and its easy to see why.  Early flowering blossom, to fill your garden with an almond-like scent, and pretty pink blossom, followed by apricot-orange leaves in autumn, it's the perfect small specimen tree.