Prunus triloba — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Prunus triloba

Prunus Triloba

Updated · 1,032 observations
Photo · (c) Jinmin Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Jinmin Li COURTESY INATURALIST
A NOTE OF INTEREST

Prunus triloba, sometimes called flowering plum or flowering almond, a name shared with Prunus jacquemontii, is a shrubby cherry, sometimes becoming a small tree. The flowers are pale pink or white, and the fruit are red and "pubescent", i.e. with soft hair. It originates from China but is popular around the world as an ornamental. It is most often found in cultivation in the double flowered form P. triloba 'Multiplex', which has double pink flowers. This cultivar is often sold as "Rose Tree of China", "China Rose Tree", or other variants. The stones of P. triloba are often used to make beaded bracelets in China.

THE NAME

Flowering Plum, also known as Rose of China: While every plum tree flowers, none compare to the stunning display of the flowering almond. This tall shrub bursts into a profusion of blooms from March to April, earning its common name. It is also referred to as Rose of China, highlighting both its rose-like appearance and its native region.

A note from PlantMom

Flowering almond has strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished flowering. Flowering almond is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and it does not demand much prior gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Prunus Triloba.

Light

Flowering almond prefers bright sunlight and performs best with abundant light. It can also grow satisfactorily in moderately sunny locations. Originating from areas with plentiful sun, it is adapted to use sunlight effectively. However, long stretches of low light can hinder its healthy growth, while excessive sun exposure can cause leaves to scorch.

Water

Flowering almonds, native to temperate climates, thrive in moderate moisture conditions and are resistant to drought. While they prefer consistent hydration, they only need watering every two weeks. Seasonal changes impact their water absorption, which is essential for producing vibrant blooms during the spring growing season.

Temperature

The flowering almond prefers temperatures between 41 ℉ (5 ℃) and 95 ℉ (35 ℃), reflecting its native habitat's typically temperate climate. During cooler seasons, it may require some temperature adjustments to avoid frost damage.

Fertilizer

Correct timing is essential for fertilizing Flowering almond. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month through early summer. Fertilizer aids in producing attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

Pruning

The flowering almond is a deciduous shrub known for its beautiful pink or white blossoms. To maintain its shape and health, prune it in late spring after it has finished blooming. This helps remove dead branches and improves air circulation, promoting healthier growth. Use sharp tools to prevent disease and keep your flowering almond vibrant and well-structured.

Pot & Repot

When repotting Flowering almond, choose a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub, Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
2.13 m to 4.88 m
Mature Spread
3.05 m to 4.57 m
Leaf Color
Green, Yellow, Bronze
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Koppen, Turkmenistan, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Flowering almond en Flowering plum en Rose of China
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Flowering almond plant in the best way possible?

To promote excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, especially if the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight. If needed, provide additional watering to the leaves. Consider using bubblers or soaker hoses to keep the roots moist. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to ensure deep root penetration. Remember to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Water at ground level to avoid potential diseases. On sunny days, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is in a pot or in the ground, remember that flowering almond prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Flowering almond plant?

Fertilizing a Flowering almond is important for multiple reasons. One of the main benefits is that it helps the plant produce beautiful blooms. To ensure excellent flowers during the spring season, it is best to fertilize in early spring. Additionally, fertilizer provides the Flowering almond with ample energy that it can store in the ground when it goes into dormant phases. By giving it extra nutrients in the fall or late spring, the plant can retain more energy to use when it starts growing again.

What are the sunlight requirements for a flowering almond?

Flowering almond requires full sun, defined as above 6 hours of sunlight, to thrive, but it can also grow well under partial sun, which means about 3-6 hours of sunlight. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden is crucial for finding the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring they receive the right amount of light for healthy growth.

What are the preferred temperature conditions for a flowering almond?

The flowering almond thrives in temperatures ranging from 41°F (5°C) to 95°F (35°C), which reflects the temperate climates of its native habitat. It displays strong cold resistance, making special frost protection measures typically unnecessary. However, to protect against frost damage when winter temperatures are expected to drop below the growth limit temperature, wrapping the trunk and branches with non-woven fabric or cloth is recommended. Also, watering the plant abundantly before the first autumn freeze to keep the soil moist can help prevent drought and water scarcity during the colder months.

What do I need to do if I give the Flowering almond plant too much or too little water?

When a Flowering almond is overwatered, its leaves may turn yellow, drop off, and wilt. The plant may look unhealthy with mushy stems. In these cases, it's best to adjust your watering schedule. Conversely, wilting can also occur due to under watering, in which case the leaves will become crispy and dry. If the soil is dry and simply watering is not enough, give the plant a thorough watering. This will help the Flowering almond recover, but it may still appear dry with yellow leaves due to root damage. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing of the leaves will stop. When you have an indoor Flowering almond, always check the moisture levels in the pot to avoid overwatering. Look for signs of black spots, as this may indicate the need to let the soil dry out for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be addressed by transferring the plant to a different pot if discolored and slimy roots are present. It's important to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting a Flowering almond outdoors, dig a little deeper and check the soil's moisture level with your fingers. If it feels too dry, it may indicate under watering, so adequate watering is necessary to help the plant recover.

When should I put fertilizer on my Flowering almond plant?

To effectively fertilize Flowering almond, timing is crucial. It is important to avoid fertilizing too early when the Flowering almond is still dormant, as the fertilizer will not be effective and will be washed away by rainwater. Instead, the first application of fertilizer should be in the early spring. From there, continue to fertilize once a month until early summer.

What should be done if natural sunlight is insufficient for a flowering almond?

If natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting can be used to support the growth of flowering almonds. Indoor plants benefit from artificial lights, promoting faster, healthier growth. LED lights are recommended for their ability to provide specific wavelengths of light needed by plants. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight as closely as possible. Most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

How does low temperature affect the flowering almond, and what solutions exist?

Flowering almond is cold-tolerant, thriving best above its suitable growth minimum temperature. In winter, it should remain above the minimum tolerable growing temperature. Exposure to temperatures below the growth limit might not show immediate changes during the cold season, but by springtime, the branches may become brittle and dry, failing to produce new shoots. The solution is to prune any dead branches in spring that haven't sprouted new leaves.

How often do I need to water my Flowering almond plant?

The Flowering almond prefers deep and infrequent watering. If they are planted in pots, it is best to soak them in a gallon of water each time. Potted plants have limited water storage and the soil can dry out quickly. In cold regions, watering is needed every 3 to 5 days. It is best to water in the morning when the soil is dry, whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. You can check the soil moisture by feeling the top 2-3 inches of soil - if it is dry, give the plant a thorough watering. During hot days, check the soil moisture daily as the heat can dry it out faster. In garden settings, irrigation is necessary. In hot climates, watering once a week is sufficient. Only water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, and consider the amount of rainfall to prevent overwatering and root rot. Flowering almond typically grows in spring and fall. When planting outdoors, adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch can help conserve water. Sandy soil drains faster and requires more frequent watering, while clay soil requires less frequent watering to prevent root rot. Keep track of watering dates on a calendar, and if you notice drooping leaves, you may need to water a day earlier.

When is the best time to not put fertilizer on my Flowering almond?

To help Flowering almond produce more blooms and avoid excessive leaf growth, it is important to choose a fertilizer with a lower amount of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. It is also advisable to avoid fertilizing after early autumn as this can lead to excessive growth right before winter. Additionally, it is not recommended to fertilize during hot and dry times of the year as dry soil does not effectively deliver fertilizer, and it can stimulate growth that requires more water than may be available. The best time to apply fertilizer is earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, it is worth noting that Flowering almond can absorb fertilizer from nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious to avoid unintentionally providing the tree/shrub with a double dose of fertilizer.

What are the symptoms of inadequate sunlight for a flowering almond?

Inadequate sunlight can cause a flowering almond to exhibit several symptoms, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. Each of these symptoms indicates a struggle with the plant's light exposure, which can impact its overall health and growth.

What impact does high temperature have on flowering almond, and how can it be mitigated?

During the summer, it's important to keep the flowering almond below the maximum suitable growth temperature. Exceeding the maximum tolerable growing temperature can cause the leaves to lighten in color, tips to dry and wither, and increase susceptibility to sunburn. To mitigate these issues, trim away sunburned and dried parts. Moving the plant to a shaded area during the midday and afternoon sun, or using a shade cloth, can prevent further damage. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps maintain soil moisture.

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