Description
Rosaceae (family name)
Forage for Pollinators: Produces Pollen and Nectar for all bees flying early in the season.
Flowering time: February, March, April.
Growing information: DECIDUOUS SHRUB growing to 1m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft), or dwarf shrub. Hardy to minus 28ºC. A profusion of bright orangey-red flowers early in the year develop into round, apple-like fruit from November to January. The flowers are pollinated by Bees and are a good early source for bees to build up their brood. It flowers well if spur-pruned and trained as fans against walls, though works well as hedging or ground-cover. Can be grown as an orchard tree or hedging ground-cover, this shrub prefers well-drained, acid mineral soils with some organic matter and some clay. Soil pH should be below 6. A sunny site on south-facing slope is ideal to reduce the risk of frost damage to both flowers and fruits. However, an orchard can also be established on level ground since its long and abundant flowering reduces the loss of spring frost damage. They have a widespread and deep root system and can therefore also be grown in dry conditions. They have even been recommended for cultivation on slopes to prevent soil erosion. The fruit has been known to be eaten cooked, as jams or jellies, but not recommended by some authorities (we’re not sure why).
