The second in my Autumn series, is Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’. This is a small (up to 2.5m) upright tree which I’ve planted in a pot. Whilst it’s only about 3 years old now, the idea is that, along with the other plants in pots next to it, it will filter out the messier storage part of the garden from view. Because every garden has a messy storage area.
The autumn leaves change from darker green to orange-red.
To fully red. Though maybe there is a pink tinge to that red.
It looks good hiding the messy corner, and looks magnificent against the blue Autumn sky.
Filtering through the sun brings up the intricate detail of the veins of the leaves.
And in Spring… Yes, that flower is simply stunning. It also has a beautiful fragrance. It’s also a great plant for pollinators in late Winter.
I’ve admired this tree for a few years in other gardens and finally obtained my own earlier this year. I feel it’s a most worthy and beautiful addition to the garden. Plus, who cares about a bit of mess with those colours?!
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Other posts in the series:
Autumn: Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Autumn: in the Peak District
Autumn: Salvia ‘Amistad’
Autumn: Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’
Autumn: Fagus sylvatica
Of late I've been getting grumpier about how gardens are being presented so perfectly all the time. Most of us don't have large gardens where we can hide, well, life, away. So I thought I'd be up front about it.
This tree, is only a small tree, and I'm growing mine in a pot, so no worries about disturbing foundations.
What a beautiful tree! I'm glad you've 'confessed' about your messy storage area, I sometimes feel as though other gardeners either don't have one or have a big enough garden that you don't know it's there until you're on top of it. I will also confess to being envious of your trees – I am too wary of roots disturbing pipes or foundations to plant any trees other than acers in the ground…
Does Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori grow fruit like sour apricots for preserving?
Not that I’m aware of, but it’s possible?