Flowering Apricot One of the first Trees to Bloom
Prunus mume ‘Okitsu Akabana’ photo by Learn to Grow.
by Tom Nunnenkamp
Want to have the first tree blooming in the neighborhood?
If so, plant a Flowering Apricot, Prunus mume. Located in full to part sun, you will be amply rewarded on a crisp winter day.
This fast-growing, deciduous tree often starts blooming on warm days in January or early February, although it will vary some by variety. I have had one start blooming about the time the other was finishing. Both bloom before my Okame Cherry, which is my earliest blooming non-apricot. Prunus mume is said to be the longest-lived of the flowering trees.
Left on its own, this twiggy tree can be somewhat unattractive when not blooming, so many place it where it is not a feature the rest of the year. However, I have found that with appropriate pruning when young, this objectionable characteristic can be overcome. Mine now have a pleasing shape after about four years in the ground, and are already about ten feet in height and width. Often seen with multiple trunks, I prefer to grow them with a single trunk.
Want to have the first tree blooming in the neighborhood?
If so, plant a Flowering Apricot, Prunus mume. Located in full to part sun, you will be amply rewarded on a crisp winter day.
This fast-growing, deciduous tree often starts blooming on warm days in January or early February, although it will vary some by variety. I have had one start blooming about the time the other was finishing. Both bloom before my Okame Cherry, which is my earliest blooming non-apricot. Prunus mume is said to be the longest-lived of the flowering trees.
Left on its own, this twiggy tree can be somewhat unattractive when not blooming, so many place it where it is not a feature the rest of the year. However, I have found that with appropriate pruning when young, this objectionable characteristic can be overcome. Mine now have a pleasing shape after about four years in the ground, and are already about ten feet in height and width. Often seen with multiple trunks, I prefer to grow them with a single trunk.
P. mume ‘Bonita’
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The fragrant blooms of flowering apricot come in single or double, and hued white, pink or red. Each flower has five petals. There are over 250 cultivars in Japan, but in this country, ‘Peggy Clarke’ is probably the best known of the named varieties with its double, rose-pink flowers and edible fruit. I have also grown ‘Bonita’, a semi-double rose-red and ‘Dawn’, a pink specimen.
Be sure to plant these trees high. One of mine died after several years in the ground; apparently the tree “settled” in the hole. Borers may attack stressed trees, so fertilize them regularly. Their thin bark is damaged easily, so keep them safely away from lawn mowers or string trimmers. Having given you these caveats, there are no diseases that are major concerns. |
If you want to pursue the many varieties of flowering apricot available in North Carolina, contact Camellia Forest Nursery (www.camforest.com). They typically have ten to twelve different varieties for sale. © Tom Nunnenkamp 2009 all rights reserved
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Tom Nunnenkamp is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Mecklenburg County, NC, whose beautiful garden, Maple Walk, is planted with numerous specimen trees.
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The more you know, the more you can grow. growing & gardening in the Southeast Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Mecklenburg Countysm mastergardenersmecklenburg.org |
