Prunus mume
Japanese apricot
P. mume is a spreading, deciduous tree to around 9m, with green shoots and dark green leaves. Fragrant flowers, from white to dark pink, are produced on bare branches in late winter and early spring, followed by edible but sour, apricot-like, yellow fruit
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Pink White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil preferably in full sun or light shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Remove any dieback promptly
Pests
Can suffer from aphids and caterpillar damage
Diseases
May be affected by silver leaf, honey fungus, blossom wilt and bacterial canker. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.