Flowering almond
Prunus triloba · Rosaceae
📷 Dalgial · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et noyaux ou graines mâchés contiennent des glycosides cyanogènes ; le risque dépend de la partie et de la quantité ingérées. Pour les espèces fruitières, la chair mûre dénoyautée est généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around flowering almond and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Prunus triloba
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April, double pink flowers
- Mature height
- Approximately 4 meters
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Fairly hardy (-10 to -15°C)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Prunus triloba flowers generously in March/April: plant in full sun, well-drained ordinary soil. Flowers are showy but naturally poorly pollinated—little fruit is normal.
The common mistake
Planting it in shade or compact/wet soil: it stagnates, flowers stay small, and bacterial canker often develops.
The pro's trick
Cut back one-third of the oldest branches in late May: this rejuvenates the shape and forces second-year shoots to flower more densely.
Care
Exposure
Plant the Chinese almond in full sun for generous and colorful flowering. A bright location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily is ideal. This exposure also promotes fruiting and overall shrub health.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn-winter. During prolonged drought, increase frequency, especially in the first years after planting.
Soil
This shrub prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid overly moist or heavy soils that encourage root rot. A slightly neutral to alkaline pH suits Prunus well.
Pruning and training
Perform main pruning after flowering (April-May) to maintain a balanced shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. Light pruning is generally sufficient; Prunus do not tolerate severe cutting well.
Fertilizing
Enrich the soil at planting time with well-decomposed compost. An annual application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring supports growth and flowering without excess.
Diseases and pests
Watch for aphids in spring and fungal diseases in humid conditions. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent most problems. Intervene quickly if infection occurs.
Did you know?
The Chinese almond (Prunus triloba) has been appreciated for centuries in China and Japan for its magnificent double pink flowers that emerge well before the leaves. Its name refers to its characteristic three-lobed leaves. It is a prestigious ornamental plant, often celebrated in Asian painting and poetry for its fleeting spring beauty.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.