I have watched this plant producing its blossom through the wind and rain since November. It blossoms from November to March and therefore still has a few more months of flowering to do, so I felt that it deserved a bit of recognition.

Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis is a subtle joy and should be planted in all but the smallest garden.

This is a medium sized broad, spreading, deciduous tree producing small, semi- double, white flowers intermittently between November and March. Its flowers have a delicacy and charm, more subtle than other spring - flowering cherries and the Autumnalis' buds are the most delicious rose pink.

This ornamental cherry tree is tolerant of soil conditions and it never casts too much shade as the branches are not dense.

The P. Autumnalis has good Autumn colour, foliage turning orange and buttery yellow. It is also an extremely hardy specimen.

The P. x subhirtella Autumnalis, unlike extrovert cherries such as P. Kanzan, prefer to remain behind the scenes but I think it's about time that the Prunus Autumnalis took centre stage.

Sometimes the very best plants for the garden turn out to be right under our noses.

Victoria Hardaker