Nicosia, Cyprus. As days lengthen and the month-end clock change approaches, gardens are showing signs of renewed growth after a cold, wet winter. Several trees and shrubs are beginning to flower, bringing early colour to the landscape.
Early flowering Cercis along roadsides
Cercis trees, which produce red flowers before their leaves appear, are visible along highways and stand out among fir trees. They may be too large for some gardens.
Cercis trees can live for a very long time but are susceptible to various cankers that can shorten their lifespan. The trees are also known as “redbud” and “Judas tree,” linked to a story that Judas hanged himself from one after betraying Christ.
Other shrubs and trees in spring display
Other plants noted for spring interest include Echium webbii, described as a favourite of bees, and Viburnum tinus, which has pink buds that later develop into small white flowers.
For red foliage, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is cited as attractive but relatively short lived. Lycianthes rantonnetii, sometimes known as the potato vine due to its plant family, has been in flower for much of the winter with dark blue blooms.
Aloes and almond blossom
Candelabra Aloe is described as sending up large, branched flower stems at this time of year, with its bare branches also used in modern floral arrangements after flowering.
Almond trees are also flowering early, despite unpredictable weather that can blow blossoms off in winter storms. The trees are described as thriving in hot summers and cool winters.
Almond orchards and bee pollination
California is identified as home to the most well-known almond orchards and the crop’s most famous export. The text notes that hives are shipped in from across the country to pollinate almond blossoms there and then returned to their own orchards.
Do you see enough bees in your area to support pollination when local trees and shrubs begin flowering?