Propagation
Sow fresh seeds during autumn and place in a cold frame until germination occurs from mid to late winter. Prick out and pot up when large enough to handle. Stored seeds require stratification for 90 days at -1.6şC (32 to 36°F).

Bud on rootstocks during late spring for improved forms or cultivars.

This tree transplants well at an advanced age.

Culture
Normally little pruning is required. When young the plant may be trained to form a single trunk or to form a vase habit. The plant may also be espaliered against a wall or on a wire frame. Established plants flower then fruit on two to three year old wood and over pruning results in excessive foliage and no flowers.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are oval to ovate with a finely toothed margin and an abrupt acuminate apex. The base is rounded and the petiole is up to 40mm (1˝in) long. During autumn the leaves turn orange-yellow or dark red-claret before falling.

Flower: The sweetly scented 5-petaled flowers are crateriform to rotate and are produced abundantly. They are arranged in umbel-like corymb that is up to 75mm (3in) wide and appear before or with the leaves on short spurs during spring.

Fruit: The drupe is pea-size and globular covered with brown dots giving it a gritty texture and is inedible. They mature during early autumn and persistent on the plant throughout winter. The small seeds are viable but the plant is normally reproduced vegetatively.