Uses: Syn. P.amygdalus. Prunus dulcis is the botanical name for the almond tree and is native to the Arabian peninsula and western Asia. There are both eating and ornamental varieties available. Both prefer moist well drained soil.
The almond blossoms inlate winter is a feature of both varieties. Several specific flowering cultivars are available such as P.dulcis 'Double Crimson' which has deep red double flowers or Prunus dulcis 'Purpurea' with claret red foliage in summer.
For fruiting almonds they can crop for up to 50 years. Normally the first fruit will not appear for 3 or so years with maximum crop at 6-10 years. Fruiting varieties a normally budded onto more robust rootstock.
For advice on the type of almond best suited to your requirements contact your local nursery or fruit society.