Prunus mume

Prunes mume

 

Common name: Japanese apricot

Family: Rosaceae

Leaf: Broad, oval, 2-4" long, , sharply serrulate

Flower: spicy, fragrant pink flowers, solitary or in pairs, blooming in Feb- March, blooming before the leaves emerge. Flowers have red calyxes and yellowish stamina.

Fruits: fuzzy skinned, green to yellow apricots, 1" in diameter. Ripens in the summer. Edible, though bitter compared to the common apricot- Prunus armeniaca. These apricots are sometimes used in jams and preserves, rather than eaten fresh.

Habit: upright, fast-growing, deciduous tree; Form: rounded

Height: 15-20'; Spread: 15-20'

Culture: Winter hardy to USDA Zones 6-8 where it is grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun to part shade. Best flowering is in full sun. Foliage appreciates some part afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. Avoid heavy clays and poorly drained wet soils. Prune if needed immediately after flowering. Can benefit from a protected location. Unfortunately, protected locations may encourage the flowers to open early and succumb to freezing temperatures.

Uses: Best in sunny but protected locations in the landscape such as areas on south side of a house.  Along walkways or near decks or patios. Specimen or groups.

Origin: Southern China