Japanese apricot 'Beni-chidori' Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'
ABOUT
P. mume 'Beni-Chidori' is a small deciduous tree producing notable deep pink, highly-scented flowers in late winter/early spring that fade to paler pink with age. They are occasionally followed by edible but bitter, yellow fruits
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Flowering Apricot, Japanese Apricot, Red Japanese Apricot, Ume, Mume
Common names
Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori', commonly known as Japanese apricot, produces vibrant pink flowers that add a splash of color to the garden landscape early in the spring.
- Attracts Pollinators: The early flowers provide an important nectar source for pollinators such as bees at a time when few other plants are in bloom.
- Edible Fruit: It bears small, yellow apricots that may be used in preserves and pickling, providing a source of homegrown food.
- Cultural Significance: The Japanese apricot holds cultural importance in East Asian countries and is often used in traditional garden designs, signifying perseverance and the arrival of spring.
- Compact Growth: With a naturally compact habit, this cultivar is suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers multi-season interest, with fragrant blossoms in spring, fruits in summer, and sometimes colorful foliage in the autumn.
- Durability: Once established, the Japanese apricot is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal maintenance and care.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori' may be used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antibacterial: Extracts from Prunus mume have been studied for antibacterial effects, possibly applicable to the 'Beni-chidori' cultivar.
- Antioxidant: The fruit of Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori' may contain compounds with antioxidant properties.
- Antiviral: Traditional use suggests the plant possesses antiviral properties, which might be attributed to the 'Beni-chidori' variety as well.
- Gastroprotective: There may be gastroprotective effects associated with compounds found in Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori', as indicated by traditional medicine practices.
- Liver protection: The plant is sometimes used in folk medicine for its supposed liver-protecting effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Crafting: The wood of the Japanese apricot is hard and can be used for crafting small items such as decorative figurines or handles for tools, leveraging its durability and fine grain.
- Calligraphy Ink Ingredient: The fruit of the Japanese apricot can be fermented to produce a dark, rich ink used in traditional East Asian calligraphy.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and fruits can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, yielding shades of pale yellow and green.
- Bonsai: Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori' is a popular choice for creating bonsai due to its beautiful blossoms and the intricate shape of its branches.
- Culinary Flavoring: The fruits can be used to infuse vinegar or alcohol, giving them a unique and aromatic flavor distinct to Japanese cuisine.
- Perfumery: The fragrant flowers of the Japanese apricot can be used in the making of natural perfumes or scented sachets for wardrobes or drawers.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches with blossoming flowers are often used in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, for their aesthetics and fragrance.
- Cultural Festivities: Japanese apricot blossoms are celebrated in festivals, such as the Ume Matsuri, where their blooming is a central attraction.
- Photography Subject: The striking blossoms make the Japanese apricot a popular subject for photographers, especially for nature and macro photography.
- Landscape Design: Used in garden design as a feature plant for its ornamental value, particularly in East Asian-style gardens for its aesthetic appeal throughout the seasons.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese apricot is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese apricot is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Hope: Prunus mume, commonly known as the Japanese apricot or Ume, often flowers in late winter while snow is still on the ground, symbolizing the ability to endure hardship and the hope for the forthcoming spring.
- Renewal and Rebirth: The blooming of the Japanese apricot is among the first signs of spring, representing freshness, new beginnings, and the rejuvenation of nature.
- Beauty and Purity: With its delicate blossoms, the Japanese apricot is admired for its beauty and is also seen as a symbol of purity and innocence.
- Nobility: In Japanese culture, the Ume blossom is associated with the nobility, due to its elegant appearance and the high esteem with which it has been held by Japanese aristocracy throughout history.
- Longevity and Vitality: The Japanese apricot is long-lived and hardy; thus, it is often associated with long life and vitality.
WaterThe Japanese apricot, or 'Beni-chidori', should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, applying water until the soil is moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with approximately 1.5 gallons, adjusting for rainfall. In hotter temperatures or during dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering to every other week, unless there is sufficient rainfall. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightThe Japanese apricot prefers full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Plant it in a spot that has clear exposure to the sun with minimal shade. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can reduce the number of flowers and negatively affect the plant’s overall vigor.
TemperatureThe Japanese apricot is hardy and can withstand winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for 'Beni-chidori' is between 40 to 85 Fahrenheit for optimal growth and blooming. It can survive brief periods of higher or lower temperatures but prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can be detrimental.
PruningPrune the Japanese apricot in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is necessary to maintain the structure, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage flowering. It should be done annually to shape the tree and promote a strong framework. The best time for pruning is when the risk of severe cold has passed but before the tree breaks dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Apricot 'Beni-chidori' thrives in a well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). A mixture of equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand can create an optimal growing medium. Regular incorporation of organic matter like compost is beneficial for soil health and plant vigor.
RepottingJapanese Apricot 'Beni-chidori' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot during late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Apricot 'Beni-chidori' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions. It can tolerate some dryness but fares best when the air is not excessively dry, particularly during flowering and fruiting periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, away from drafts, colder temps.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese apricot 'Beni-chidori' begins its life as a seed, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy before it can germinate. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes its root system, while growing its first leaves to begin photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a woody stem and branching out to form its characteristic shape. The plant reaches reproductive maturity within a few years, producing fragrant pink flowers in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into fruit, which ripen by early summer and contain seeds for the next generation. The Japanese apricot 'Beni-chidori' can live for many years, repeating its flowering and fruiting cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori', commonly known as Japanese apricot, is often propagated through grafting, which is the most popular method for this ornamental tree. Optimal propagation time is typically late winter or early spring before growth starts. In grafting, a scion, which is a young shoot or twig with bud from the 'Beni-chidori', is selected and then carefully joined to a rootstock, often of a related species that provides hardiness and vigor to the graft. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched together and bound with grafting tape to maintain contact and prevent drying out. Over time, the tissues of the two parts grow together, effectively combining the desirable flowering characteristics of the 'Beni-chidori' with the resilient root system of the stock. Grafting has a relatively high rate of success and allows the propagated trees to bear the ornate flowers and maintain the same qualities as the parent plant.
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