Flowering plum is a shrub or small tree native to northeastern Asia, grown in U.S. gardens for pink flowers that open before the leaves. Forms with extra rows of petals are especially common in nurseries. It is also sold as flowering almond.
Appearance
Appearance
A garden plant is usually a dense, rounded shrub or small tree about 10–15 ft (3–4.6 m) tall and wide.
Growth form
It is a , many-branched shrub that can sometimes be trained as a small tree.
Leaves
Leaves are broad, 2–4 in (5–10 cm) long, and . The tip may be shallowly three-lobed.
Flowers
Five-petaled pink flowers open before the leaves on the species. The popular form has many more petals.
Flowering time
In the Chicago region, it is a mid- to late-spring ornamental.
Fruit
The species can produce a round, red, hairy about 1/2 in (1.2–1.5 cm) across. The common double-flowered form does not produce fruit.
Flowering plum has broader leaves that may show a shallow three-lobed tip, and its flowers open before the leaves. Dwarf flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) has narrower leaves that taper to a point, and its flowers open with or nearly with the leaves.
Why they get mixed up · Both are small Asian Prunus shrubs sold under a flowering-almond name and can have pink or white flowers.
Peach has much longer, narrower leaves and develops a large fleshy peach. Flowering plum has broader, often shallowly three-lobed leaves and fruit only about 1/2 in (1.2–1.5 cm) wide.
Why they get mixed up · Both can bloom pink before the leaves and both have double-flowered garden forms.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
gardens
shrub borders
well-drained slopes
Range
It is native to northeastern Asia and is not native to the United States. In the U.S., it is grown as an ornamental shrub or small tree.
Preferred conditions
It grows best in full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate standing water.
Connected species
Ties with other wildlife
Butterflies visit the flowers, and fruiting plants attract birds.
Name and classification
About the name
It has also been called Amygdalus triloba.
Varieties and forms
The double-flowered plant is often labeled Prunus triloba var. multiplex or f. multiplex in U.S. horticulture. It is the form most often seen in nursery trade.