Dwarf flowering almond Prunus glandulosa 'Alba Plena' (d)
ABOUT
The Double Flowering Almond, often known for its charming and ornamental features, possesses a spectacular display of blooms. The flowers are particularly noteworthy – they are double, meaning each bloom has multiple layers of petals, giving them a full and sumptuous look. These petals are pure white, which can lend a soft yet striking contrast to the landscape, especially against the backdrop of new spring growth. The blossoms densely cluster along the branches, creating a fluffy, cloud-like effect that is sure to catch the eye of any passerby. In terms of foliage, the Double Flowering Almond has leaves that are green, simple in shape, and possess a smooth margin. The leaves typically emerge after the flowers, so in early spring, the visual focus is almost entirely on the stunning white flowers. After the blooming period, the plant remains a source of lush greenery throughout the growing season. The overall form of the Double Flowering Almond is graceful, with branches that can create a rounded shape, making it an attractive plant even when not in flower.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Dwarf Flowering Almond, White Flowering Almond, Double-Flowered Plum.
Common names
Amygdalus glandulosa (L.) Baill., Cerasus glandulosa (L.) Delile., Persica glandulosa L.
ToxicityTo humans
The Dwarf Flowering Almond is considered to have a certain level of toxicity to humans if ingested, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides found in many species of the Prunus genus. These compounds can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of poisoning may include headache, dizziness, difficulties in breathing, and possibly convulsions, leading to increased risk of hypoxia or even coma if consumed in large enough quantities. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of this ornamental plant.
To pets
The Dwarf Flowering Almond is toxic to pets as well, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy, potentially leading to more serious conditions like respiratory failure and seizures, depending on the amount consumed. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or eating any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The double flowering form of this Dwarf Flowering Almond provides a striking visual display with its profusion of white flowers in early spring.
- Compact Size: Being a dwarf variety, it fits well in smaller gardens or spaces, making it ideal for urban landscapes and container gardening.
- Easy to Grow: This hardy ornamental shrub is relatively easy to maintain, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers early seasonal interest in the landscape, as one of the first shrubs to bloom in the spring.
- Attracts Wildlife: Its flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, adding to the biodiversity of the garden environment.
- Low Water Requirements: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions or for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscapes.
- Winter Hardiness: It is capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a flowering bonsai specimen: The Dwarf Flowering Almond can be trained into a bonsai form, offering a stunning display of blooms in a miniature landscape.
- In crafting and floristry: The flowers can be used in dried arrangements or for making potpourri, adding a delicate touch to homemade crafts.
- As a natural dye: The blossoms could potentially be used to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics or artwork.
- In photography and painting subjects: The plant's beautiful spring blooms make it an ideal subject for photographers and artists seeking to capture the essence of spring.
- As a tool for teaching botany: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about the plant life cycle and flower anatomy.
- In horticultural therapy: The care and maintenance of Dwarf Flowering Almond plants can be incorporated into therapeutic gardening programs for its calming effects.
- As a living gift: Dwarf Flowering Almond, with its attractive blooms, can be given as a potted plant gift to symbolize renewal and new beginnings.
- For celebrating special occasions: Its springtime blossoms are often associated with celebrations such as Easter and spring festivals.
- As a food garnish: Although not commonly used for consumption, the flowers could theoretically be used as an edible garnish for special dishes, assuming they haven't been treated with pesticides or harmful chemicals.
- In landscape design: The plant can be used to create a 'living fence' when planted in a row, offering a seasonal privacy screen of green leaves and white flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dwarf Flowering Almond is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dwarf Flowering Almond is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Prunus glandulosa 'Alba Plena', also known as flowering almond or dwarf flowering almond, typically has white flowers, which often symbolize purity in floral language.
- Hope: As a plant that blooms early in spring, the flowering almond represents hope and the renewal that comes with the season.
- Delicacy: The delicate appearance of its blossoms reflects the idea of fragility and the need to cherish life's fleeting moments.
- Beauty and Femininity: Flowering almond's pretty blossoms are often associated with beauty and femininity, reflecting traditional views of aesthetics.
WaterDwarf Flowering Almond should be watered deeply once a week, providing enough moisture to saturate the root zone without causing standing water. During periods of hot, dry weather, increase watering frequency to twice a week, ensuring that each session provides about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. Reduce the watering frequency during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant and requires less moisture. Monitor the soil moisture level to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightDwarf Flowering Almond thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can also tolerate light dappled shade, especially in regions with very intense midday sun.
TemperatureDwarf Flowering Almond prefers temperate climates and grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 75°F. It can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F could harm the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 75°F, where it can grow and blossom optimally.
PruningPrune Dwarf Flowering Almond immediately after it finishes blooming in the spring to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased wood. Thinning out crowded branches every few years promotes better air circulation and light penetration, which encourages healthy growth. Pruning is typically done annually, but minimal pruning is required if the plant maintains a good shape naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Flowering Almond requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be loamy soil with added organic matter such as compost to ensure fertility and good drainage. Mulching can help retain moisture and provide nutrients as it decomposes.
RepottingDwarf Flowering Almonds are usually grown outdoors and do not typically require repotting. In the case they are potted, young plants may be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Flowering Almond thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. As a temperate plant, it does not require high humidity and can tolerate the conditions typically found outdoors in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun and open space.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe Dwarf Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa 'Alba Plena') begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the soil in late spring after stratification. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant throughout the summer, developing a root system and foliage. As it matures, the plant experiences a period of dormancy during the winter months. In early spring, the Dwarf Flowering Almond enters a phase of rapid growth and blossoms, producing double white flowers before leafing out. Following the flowering stage, the plant sets fruit, which are small and inedible, eventually dropping seeds to potentially start a new generation. Over the years, this deciduous shrub grows larger and may require pruning to maintain shape, continuing this cycle for several decades under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Dwarf Flowering Almond, scientifically known as Prunus glandulosa 'Alba Plena', is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. The best time for this method is late spring to early summer when the new growth is still green and flexible. To propagate, one can cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaves, removing the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The bottom end is then dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept under high humidity and indirect light until it roots, which typically takes a few weeks.
