The Chinese plum (Prunus mume), also known as plum blossom, Japanese apricot, or Japanese plum, is a deciduous tree valued for its ornamental beauty and versatile fruit. Its early blooming flowers, appearing in late winter to early spring, add a welcome splash of color to landscapes when other plants are dormant.
Understanding the Chinese Plum Tree
The Chinese plum tree typically grows 15 to 20 feet tall, with some varieties reaching 33 feet, and exhibits a similar spread. Its growth habit ranges from rounded to spreading, often developing a single trunk with a wide canopy. Fragrant flowers, measuring 0.79 to 0.98 inches in diameter, appear before the leaves in shades of white, pink, and red, depending on the cultivar.
After blooming, small, yellow-green to yellow plums develop, ripening in early summer. These aromatic fruits are typically sour, making them suitable for culinary and medicinal uses rather than fresh consumption. The tree’s dark green, oval-shaped leaves appear after the petals fall, turning yellow and sometimes red in autumn. Its smooth, gray bark adds year-round interest. Culturally, Prunus mume symbolizes perseverance, hope, and beauty in East Asia due to its vibrant blooms in cold weather.
Cultivating and Caring for Your Chinese Plum Tree
Site Selection and Planting
Proper site selection is crucial for the Chinese plum tree’s health and fruit production. The tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and enhanced flowering. Early morning sun is particularly beneficial, helping to dry dew from leaves and reduce disease risk. Plant Chinese plum trees in a sheltered, possibly south or west-facing, location to protect them from strong winds and late spring frosts that could damage early blooms.
When planting, ensure the hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system, allowing roots to spread freely. For container-grown trees, carefully remove the tree from its pot and gently loosen any circling roots before placement. If planting a grafted tree, position the graft union 1 to 2 inches above the soil line. After placement, backfill the hole with soil, avoiding compaction, and water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the roots.
Soil and Light Requirements
Chinese plum trees prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Ideal soil includes loam, clay, and sandy loam for balanced drainage and nutrient retention. Amending the soil with compost enriches it and improves its structure. While full sun is preferred, the tree can tolerate partial sun, though this may result in slower growth and reduced fruit yield. In regions with intense summer heat, partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can prevent leaf burn.
Watering and Fertilizing
Chinese plum trees are moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture promotes optimal growth. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering until established, often every 2-3 days initially, then 1-2 times a week. Established trees generally need deep watering when the top 8-10 inches of soil are dry, typically once every two weeks or an inch of rainfall every 7-10 days, depending on climate and soil type. Adjust watering seasonally, increasing during hot, dry periods and decreasing in cooler, dormant months to prevent root rot.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth, flowering, and fruit production. For young trees, apply a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 formula in early spring as new growth emerges. Established trees benefit from two applications per year: one in early March and another around the first of August. A general guideline is to apply one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each year of the tree’s age, up to a maximum of 12 cups for mature trees. Organic options, such as well-rotted compost or manure, are also beneficial.
Pruning Practices
Pruning maintains the health, shape, and productivity of Chinese plum trees. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, or in mid-summer. Avoid winter pruning if possible, as it may increase the risk of certain diseases. The goal is often to create an open-center or vase shape, allowing for better light penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy.
Pruning involves several key steps:
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, cutting well below affected areas to prevent further spread.
Thin out crowded branches and remove any that cross or rub against each other.
Remove suckers (shoots growing from the base or roots) and any branches growing inward towards the center.
Use heading cuts to control the tree’s height and encourage horizontal growth, which can improve fruit yield and make harvesting easier.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Chinese plum trees can encounter various pests and diseases that may affect their health and productivity. Common issues include bacterial canker, brown rot, and black knot. Insect pests like aphids, plum curculio, and oriental fruit moths can also infest these trees. Symptoms of disease include leaf drop, wood damage, wilting, or scorched leaves.
Preventative measures include ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning, which reduces humidity and fungal issues. Promptly removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood limits pathogen spread. Regular monitoring allows for early detection, enabling timely intervention. For specific pest or disease concerns, consult local gardening resources for targeted treatment strategies.
Harvesting and Using Chinese Plums
Chinese plums typically ripen in early summer, around June and July in East Asia. The fruit is generally small, ranging from yellow-green to yellow, and can sometimes develop a red blush as it matures. A gentle twist should release ripe plums from the tree.
Chinese plums are highly versatile for culinary and medicinal uses. They are commonly pickled to create products like umeboshi in Japan or maesil-jangajji in Korea. The fruit is also used to make refreshing beverages such as plum wine (umeshu), juices, and syrups. Additionally, Chinese plums are a traditional ingredient in various sauces, including the thick, sweet, and tangy plum sauce often served with egg rolls. Historically, Prunus mume has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to address ailments like coughs, fevers, and stomachaches.