Nectarine 'Lord Napier'

'Lord Napier' remains the most popular nectarine for the UK climate, largely because it is one of the hardiest and most reliable performers. This traditional Victorian variety produces large, exceedingly handsome fruits with a pale green-yellow skin that develops a deep crimson flush where exposed to the sun. The flesh is white, melting, and separates easily from the stone, offering a sublime, sweet flavor and plenty of juice. In the UK, it is most successful when grown as a fan against a south or south-west facing wall, which provides the necessary warmth for the wood to ripen and the fruit to mature. Its early spring blossoms are a stunning bright pink, though they require protection with horticultural fleece to prevent frost damage. While the tree is hardy, the flowers and young fruit are vulnerable. With proper care and thinning of the fruit, 'Lord Napier' will reward the gardener with a harvest of high-quality nectarines that are far superior to supermarket imports.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moisture-retentive, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.