Quick Guide: spring, hardy, full sun, height: 8m/26ft, width: 6m/20ft

The genus Prunus includes a huge number of trees that provide spectacular displays of spring flowers. Those described here are ornamental cherries; others are ornamental almonds, peaches, plums and cherry laurel. Easy to grow, all are popular in town gardens. Ornamental cherries have pointed, oval leaves and bear their blossom in heavy clusters.

GROWING Plant in autumn, not too deep in any well-drained soil, preferably with a little lime. Staking will be necessary until the tree is established, especially in exposed positions. Try not to disturb the soil around the trees too much, as they arc shallow-rooting. No regular pruning is required. If necessary, damaged branches can be removed in late summer.

PROPAGATION By budding on to the rootstock. Prunus avium (wild-cherry).

SPECIES P `Amanogawa', upright habit, spread only 1.8-2.4m/ 6-8ft good for small gardens, deep pink blossom; P.x `Halle Jolivette', hybrid, height and spread 4.5m/15ft, suitable for small gardens, long-lasting double white flowers; P. ' Tai-Haku' (great white cherry), foliage red when young, bright white flowers 5cm/2in across, a vigorous grower.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Birds eat buds, caterpillars eat leaves; bacterial canker, chlorosis, honey fungus.