2

I'm considering planting a row of trees primarily for their blossoms (I'm in rural Auckland - occasional temperatures are down to -4°C, typically high of 25°C in summer) - which leads to 2 questions.

Are there any easy-to-grow fruit trees which will have lots of blossoms for a long period like Cherry Blossom trees but also yield edible fruit?

How do clay soils fit into the picture, and how is there a significant difference in maintenance work to the trees ?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Wouldn't a regular sour cherry do the job? They're quite pretty in Spring.
    – Wayfaring Stranger
    Oct 2, 2018 at 16:58
  • @davidogo pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/coldfruit.html
    – Rob
    Oct 2, 2018 at 19:35
  • @rob thanks for this, but I'm closer to USDA hardiness zone 10 (between 9a and 10a depending on what I consult). Also, my primary concern is the quantity and longevity of flowers - yielding fruit is only a "nice-to-have" if there is little/no trade-off in flowering.
    – davidgo
    Oct 2, 2018 at 20:08
  • 1
    @davidgo Well then I would try a Crabapple tree. Doesn't get much better in terms of flowers than Crabapple.
    – Rob
    Oct 2, 2018 at 21:30

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I have two suggestions:

  • Malus floribunda - about a month of white/pinkish flowers in early spring; the fruit is edible, but really small to bother harvesting by people - the birds love it though
  • Cornus mas - about a month of small yellow flowers in late winter and early spring; the fruit is excellent, the best harvested from the ground, when fully ripe

Both thrive very well in clay soils. Cornus will grow well even in shady areas.

Both are also almost ZERO maintenance trees. The only maintenance is watering them first few seasons!

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.