Chaenomeles Speciosa ‘Scarlet Storm’ (PBR)

The stems of this easy to grow shrub are studded along their length with large (up to 5cm across), many-petalled flowers, which start to open just before the foliage appears. Not only do these flowers add a bright splash of colour early in the year, but they are also sought after by bees, helping them to top up their energy levels. Their stems are thorn-free, which makes it much easier to tie them onto a support and train them as a wall shrub (if space is limited), and it also makes it possible to plant them near a pathway without worrying about getting snagged every time you pass.