Perhaps the first blossom trees most people will encounter not far from their own front doors are the Purple Cherry Plums.

Widely planted across London, they have already started showing their blossom, which in fact, is a little later this year than in some years. There are two cultivars you are likely to come across, 'Pissardii' with pale pink, almost white flowers (like the ones above), and 'Nigra' with pinker blooms. The flowers of these trees are perhaps their loveliest attribute, they are followed by very deep purple leaves that can look a little foreboding, especially when they are planted in groups or avenues.