Species Japanese apricot
light-green fruits and leaves on brown branches

Japanese apricot

Prunus mume 'Fenghou'

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Fenghou') is an attractive ornamental fruit tree with white-pink flowers in spring and glossy green foliage. It can grow up to 3-4 m (10–13 ft.) tall and produces a green to yellow, ornamental, edible apricot-like fruit with juicy flesh. It is hardy in USDA zone 5-9, preferring a moist and well-drained soil, and full sun to part shade. Japanese apricot needs careful pruning to maintain a balanced shape and healthy growth. It is an excellent choice for the garden or patio.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

yellow,orange Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Fenghou') should be watered well but not excessively. Water when the soil is dry 1–2 inches below the surface, and water deeply. This species needs at least 1–2 inches of water per week and more during especially hot and dry periods. For established plants, water deeply every few weeks or when the soil becomes dry. For newly planted trees, water twice as often in the first year.

sunlight

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Fenghou') should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to avoid intense afternoon sunlight and instead expose the plants to the morning sun. During late winter/early spring season, the Japanese apricot will require more sunlight (8-9 hours) to help encourage bud setting and reduce the risk of winter damage. Throughout the year, it is important to make sure that the plant is receiving adequate sunlight for optimal growth and fruit production.

pruning

Pruning Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Fenghou') should take place in late winter just before the start of spring. The goal is to prune off any dead or damaged branches and to promote a strong structure. In addition, pruning should focus on the interior of the plant to promote better air circulation, remove large branches that cross, or reduce the size of the plant if necessary. Light pruning should be done throughout the year, such as cutting off dead or diseased branches or any shoots that emerge from the trunk. Heavier pruning can be done in late winter when the plant is dormant and should be done sparingly. It should only be done if necessary to maintain a desired size or shape or to remove large branches.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Prunus mume 'Fenghou' typically starts flowering in February.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus mume 'Fenghou' (Japanese apricot) typically begins in April and ends in June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus mume 'Fenghou' (Japanese apricot) typically begins in April and ends in June.

Hardiness Map