How to Care for Prunus mume (Japanese apricot)

Korean name: 매실나무

Japanese apricot is a small deciduous tree known for its fragrant white to pale pink blossoms that bloom in spring. The leaves are oval-shaped, and the round fruit ripens from green to yellow. It grows well in sunny spots and is relatively easy to care for.

Key facts

• Category: Flowering plant
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: China, Korea, Japan
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.
• Flower meaning: hope, purity
• Traits: cold hardy, fragrant flower, edible, spring bloom, medium difficulty
• Also known as: Japanese apricot, Chinese plum, Ume

Care Guide

• Light: Thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil dries out.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity.
• Temperature: 0~30°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.

Common questions

How often should you water Prunus mume?

Water thoroughly when the soil dries out. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Prunus mume?

It likes Thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Prefers well-drained, fertile soil..

Is Prunus mume safe around pets?

Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.

Is Prunus mume good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate. Keep it around 0~30°C. Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn..