Plum-leaved Cherry
prunus triloba
Also known as: ["Flowering Plum Cherry","Triple Leaf Cherry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its abundant pink or white flowers and ornamental foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus triloba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade during intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; protect from harsh winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid direct midday sun in summer; use shade cloth if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid overwatering; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cold down to -20°F (-29°C) in dormancy.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after flowering; avoid fertilizing in winter; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering in spring; seeds (requires stratification).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late winter/early spring for layering; autumn for seed stratification.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light for cuttings.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining soil for layering.
Hormone
Recommended for cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; layering takes 6–12 months; seeds germinate in 1–2 years after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting spray bottle, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Take cuttings in early morning; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open canopy; heading cuts to encourage bushiness; avoid excessive topping.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant after flowering; remove dead or crossing branches; maintain air circulation to reduce disease.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw for larger branches, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure container has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; best for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent saturation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed bud break or dieback in cold stress; wilting or chlorosis in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause dieback of tender growth; dormancy is natural but extreme cold can damage roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Causes leaf scorch, bud drop, and reduced flowering; may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water before and after; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; cease fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to cyanide poisoning from Prunus triloba, with seeds, stems, and leaves being the most toxic parts. The cyanogenic glycosides disrupt cellular respiration, leading to severe physiological stress. Even small amounts can cause significant toxicity in cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to cyanide poisoning from Prunus triloba, particularly from its seeds, stems, and leaves. Cyanogenic glycosides are metabolized into cyanide, which inhibits cellular respiration, causing oxygen deprivation. Symptoms can appear rapidly and may be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPrunus triloba contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in its seeds, stems, and leaves, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The toxicity is dose-dependent, with severe effects possible even from small quantities in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Prunus triloba suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a manageable size, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Q: Does Prunus triloba produce edible fruit?
A: While it may produce small fruits, they are not typically consumed due to their astringent taste and mild toxicity.
Q: How often should Prunus triloba be watered?
A: Water deeply once a week, adjusting for rainfall and soil conditions to avoid overwatering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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