Almond and fig trees are thriving as country sees fewer frosts

Fig and almond trees are thriving in Britain as a result of fewer frosts, the Royal Horticultural Society has said.

- Helena Horton

The lack of frost, an effect of climate breakdown, means plants used to warmer climes have been thriving in RHS gardens.

Almond trees from the Mediterranean were planted at Wisley in Surrey several years ago, and without frost this year have fruited well for the first time.

Fig trees can withstand long, dry spells, but are not well-suited to the UK's mild, wet climate. However, at the RHS's Hyde Hall site in Essex, the team has for the first time planted fig trees outside. They have also planted cacti in drier areas of the garden.

According to the Met Office, in the most recent decade (2011-2020) there were 16% fewer days of air frost and 14% fewer days of ground frost compared with the 1981-2010 average.