Apricot blossom arrives early — sometimes while winter still has a hand on the gate — and that’s exactly why it feels so special. The flowers are soft and delicate, with a faint blush that looks lovely against bare wood, and they have a gentle, hopeful quality that lifts the whole garden. In the UK, the trick is giving that blossom a sheltered spot so it isn’t battered by cold winds or late frosts. Get the siting right, and an apricot becomes one of the most beautiful early-season trees you can grow.
Common name: Apricot tree.
Latin name: Prunus armeniaca.
Size in UK gardens: Often 2.5–4m with pruning; smaller if fan-trained on a wall, larger if grown as a free-standing tree in ideal conditions.
Best position: Full sun, warm and sheltered — a south or south-west facing wall is ideal.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil; dislikes waterlogging, especially in winter.
Flowering time: Early spring (often February–March, depending on weather and variety).
Fragrance: Lightly scented blossom, usually delicate rather than strong.
Hardiness: Hardy once established, but early blossom can be vulnerable to frost.
Care level: Moderate – straightforward with good siting, but best results come from shelter, training, and a little annual pruning.
Rather than travelling halfway across Europe, our mimosa trees are grown on site by the Simpson’s team. They’re toughened to local conditions, properly potted, and ready to get growing the moment you plant them.
Planting time: As container-grown plants, apricots can be planted in most months when the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged; spring and early autumn are usually easiest.
Watering: Water well in the first 1–2 seasons, and during dry spells in summer, especially for wall-trained trees in rain shadows.
Feeding: Mulch in spring with compost or well-rotted manure; a light balanced feed in spring can help on poorer soils.
Pruning: Best pruned in summer to reduce disease risk; wall-trained trees need a little regular shaping.
Winter: The tree is hardy, but early blossom appreciates shelter; protect flowers in severe frosts if you want the best chance of fruit.
Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.
When the rest of the garden is still rubbing its eyes, Acacia dealbata is already wide awake – cloaked in soft, silver foliage and clouds of golden pom‑poms. It’s the archetypal mimosa: fast‑growing, generously scented and guaranteed to turn heads on a bright February day.
Typical Sizes We Stock: 10 Litre and 5 Litre Pots.
‘Purpurea’ adds a touch of drama: new leaves flush rich purple before maturing to misty grey‑green, so even out of flower it’s a picture. Come late winter, the yellow blossom lights up the dusky foliage and the whole tree looks as if it’s been dusted with sunshine.
