Ume

prunus mume

Also known as: ["Japanese apricot","Chinese plum","Mume"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous or semi-evergreen tree native to East Asia, known for its fragrant, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus mume

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot, or as a container plant in a sunny location
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering in late spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring/summer; partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor/indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; adjust based on season and weather.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 6–8; prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates cold but needs protection from extreme frost.

Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; adjust watering in extreme temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter

Fertilize before new growth emerges; water before and after applying; avoid contact with roots.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; layering is also effective.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for higher success rates.

Timeline

Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 1–2 growing seasons.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering branches.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove crossing branches; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove old soil; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining mix; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and check root health.

Checklist

Choose correct pot size; use fresh soil; prune roots if crowded; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; ensure excess water drains away.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water straight to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, bud abortion, wilting, or chlorosis in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Stems may die back; growth halts; flowers or buds may freeze and drop.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth in freezing temperatures; move potted plants indoors.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or premature leaf drop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use correct fertilizer type; apply at proper time; follow dilution rates; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; reduce or stop in late summer/autumn; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus mume can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Prunus mume may result from water stress, root damage, or disease, impairing the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Prunus mume are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can occur in Prunus mume due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Prunus mume is toxic to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds, pits, leaves, and bark. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which inhibits cellular respiration and can be fatal.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting difficulty breathing weakness collapse seizures death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access any part of the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The seeds, pits, leaves, and bark of Prunus mume contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. This can lead to cyanide poisoning in dogs, disrupting cellular respiration and causing oxygen deprivation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing weakness collapse seizures death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Prunus mume contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in the seeds and pits, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The leaves and bark also contain these compounds, especially when wilted.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pits leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming any part of the plant, especially seeds and pits. Keep away from children and pets. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the fruits of Prunus mume edible?

A: Yes, the fruits are edible and are used in traditional Japanese and Chinese cuisine, often pickled or made into umezu (ume vinegar).

Q: Why do the leaves of my Prunus mume turn yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or fungal infections. Ensure proper drainage and balanced fertilization.

Q: When does Prunus mume typically bloom?

A: Prunus mume blooms in late winter to early spring, often before its leaves emerge, making it a striking early-season ornamental tree.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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