Native to forests and stream sides of China, this deciduous tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherries, almonds, and lady’s mantle. It grows 15-20′ tall and has shiny dark green stems and light gray bark that exfoliates and becomes furrowed with maturity. The leaves appear after the flowers and are 2-4″ long, rounded or broadly ovate, and have finely toothed margins. In mid to late winter 5-petaled flowers appear singularly or in pairs. The flowers are 1-1.25″ across, have a clove scent, and may be white, pink, deep rose, or red, and single, semi-double, or double. They are attractive to butterflies and give way to fuzzy-skinned, green to yellow fruit that is up to 1” diameter and have a clinging stones. It ripens in summer and has a sour or bitter taste but can be used for such foods as jams, preserves, beverages, and condiments. The image of the flower has been used in Chinese art and poetry for centuries and is also popular in the culture of other Asian countries. Flowering branches are used in flower arrangements. Over 300 cultivars are available varying in tree form and flower color and form. Japanese flowering apricot is a great choice for a patio or walkway where the fragrance and delicate flowers can be appreciated, and is equally useful in fragrance, winter, edible, and butterfly gardens. The genus name, Prunus, is the Latin name for cherry, in the same genus as apricot. The specific epithet is the Japanese pronunciation for Chinese name for the plant. Photo Credit 西安兵马俑 Wikimedia Commons
Type: Flowering deciduous tree
Outstanding Feature: Early fragrant flowers
Form: Rounded to oval crown
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom: White, pink, deep rose, or red with single, semi-double, or double form, in mid to late winter
Size: 15-20′ H x 15-20′ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained, acidic
Hardiness: Zones 6-9 (best planted in a protected place or on the south side of a house to protect from unseasonal cold spells)
Care: Prune immediately after flowering if needed
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, scale, borers, spider mites, tent caterpillars, bacterial canker, honey fungus, silver leaf and brown rot.
Propagation: Stratified seed, hardwood cuttings
Outstanding Selections:
‘Contorta’ (twisted and curled branches with single white flowers)
‘Dawn’ (large ruffled double pink flowers)
‘Kobai’ (semi-double red flowers)
‘Peggy Clarke’(deep rose double flowers)
‘W.B. Clarke’ (weeping habit with double pink flowers)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers