Japanese apricot Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai'
ABOUT
Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai', commonly known as Ume or Japanese apricot, presents a breathtaking display of double-flowered blossoms. Its flowers boast a vibrant pink hue, radiating a delicate beauty that is both striking and elegant. Each bloom is intricately arranged, with multiple layers of petals that create a sumptuous and full appearance, reminiscent of a miniature rose. As the flowers emerge, they cover the branches profusely, turning the plant into a cloud of pink that can enliven any garden landscape. The leaves of Ume emerge shortly after the flowers, offering their own visual appeal. They have a lanceolate shape, with a smooth and glossy texture, and a rich green color that serves as a perfect backdrop to the bright blossoms. In autumn, the foliage may turn to warm hues before falling, adding a transient but charming variation to its presentation. Ume's bark is an additional feature of note. It has a distinct appearance, often appearing textured with a mature, rugged look that adds character to the plant even when it's not in bloom. While this description omits the specifics of the plant's size, it is clear that the Ume's beauty and appeal are defined by its stunning floral display, attractive foliage, and characterful bark, making it a beloved choice for ornamental purposes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Japanese Apricot, Chinese Plum, Double Flowered Red Plum.
Common names
Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai') may contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in its seeds, which can release cyanide into the body when ingested. If consumed in large enough quantities, this can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and potentially even poisoning or death. It's important to avoid consuming the seeds or any other potentially toxic parts of this plant.
To pets
The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai') is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in parts of the plant, especially the seeds. If a pet ingests these, symptoms can include drooling, agitation, panting, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning and can be fatal. Care should be taken to prevent pets from having access to any parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai', commonly known as Japanese Flowering Apricot, is valued for its attractive, double pink blossoms that herald the arrival of spring.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant and subtle fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Cultural Significance: In East Asian cultures, especially in Japan and China, the plant is celebrated for its early flowering, which symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers provide an early source of nectar for pollinators such as bees, which can support local ecosystems.
- Durable and Adaptable: It is known for its resilience to a variety of growing conditions and can withstand cold temperatures once established.
- Landscape Diversity: The plant adds diversity to landscapes with its unique form, offering variety in comparison to the typical choices for ornamental trees.
- Compact Size: As a smaller tree, it is ideal for planting in gardens with limited space, or as part of a larger landscape design.
- Seasonal Interest: Aside from spring blossoms, it offers attractive foliage throughout the growing season, sometimes followed by small, ornamental fruit.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Contains compounds that may help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Antibacterial effect: Prunus mume extract has shown inhibitory effects on certain bacterial strains.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: May reduce inflammation and could be beneficial for inflammatory disorders.
- Anti-cancer potential: Some studies suggest that it contains compounds that might have anti-cancer properties.
- Gastroprotective effects: Prunus mume may help in protecting the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and erosion.
- Liver protection: There is some evidence that the plant might have hepatoprotective properties, helping to maintain liver health.
- Immune system modulation: Prunus mume could play a role in modulating the immune system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking Material: The wood of the Prunus mume can be used in fine woodworking for making small decorative objects, showing a pleasing grain pattern when polished.
- Calligraphy Ink Ingredient: The fruits of the Prunus mume can be fermented to make a dark, sumi-e ink used in traditional East Asian calligraphy and brush painting.
- Fabric Dye: The bark, leaves, or fruit can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, providing colors ranging from pale yellows to earthy greens.
- Engraving Craft: The hard pit of the Prunus mume’s fruit is sometimes used for intricate carving or engraving, offering a unique medium for miniature art pieces.
- Traditional Musical Instruments: Wood from this plum tree is occasionally utilized in the making of traditional Asian stringed or wind musical instruments, due to its acoustical properties.
- Culinary Smoking Wood: The wood chips of the Prunus mume can be used for smoking meats, offering a unique flavor profile distinct from other fruitwoods.
- Floral Arrangements: The beautifully arranged double flowers provide aesthetic value and are often used in traditional floral arrangements like Ikebana.
- Perfumery: The flowers' fragrance can be extracted and used in perfumery, either in its pure form or as a component of complex perfumed products.
- Bonsai Cultivation: Prunus mume is often cultivated as a bonsai specimen due to its beautiful blossoms and the interesting structure it develops over time.
- Photography Prop: Due to its striking flowers, branches of Prunus mume are commonly used as props or subjects in still life and nature photography.
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: The Prunus mume, commonly known as the Japanese apricot or ume, often blooms in late winter or early spring, symbolizing the ability to persevere and the hope that comes with the arrival of spring after the cold winter months.
- Beauty and Elegance: With its delicate flowers that may appear in various shades, the Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai' represents beauty and elegance, often esteemed in cultures that value subtle and refined aesthetics.
- Renewal and Vitality: The blooming of the Japanese apricot heralds the coming of spring, representing renewal, fresh starts, and the vital force of life as nature awakens from winter dormancy.
- Purity and Nobility: In East Asian cultures, the ume blossom is often associated with purity and nobility, particularly due to its clean and fragrant presence amidst the barren winter landscape.
- Strength and Resilience: Because the Japanese apricot can endure and bloom even in the snow, it is a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
WaterThe Japanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season in the spring and summer, it's advisable to water this plant about once a week, applying 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
LightThe Japanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is one that enjoys morning sun and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. However, it is versatile enough to still bloom and grow if it receives light shade during part of the day.
TemperatureThe Japanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA zones 6 through 9. The ideal temperature range for this plant is from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. While it can handle high temperatures in summer, it's essential to provide some afternoon shade to prevent heat stress.
PruningPrune the Japanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is done to remove dead or diseased wood, to shape the tree, and to encourage the growth of new flowering shoots. Thinning out crowded branches will also improve air circulation, which helps to prevent fungal diseases. Pruning should be done sparingly, as too much can reduce the number of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' prefers well-draining soil with a high content of organic matter. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. The best soil mix can include loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingJapanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' generally needs to be repotted every two to three years. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Apricot 'Yae Kankobai' thrives in moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some variation, consistent humidity akin to its natural environment is beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoors, ensure bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun or partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus mume 'Yae Kankobai', commonly known as double-flowered Japanese apricot, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young sapling, developing a strong root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing leaves and branches in preparation for the flowering stage. The flowering stage occurs in late winter to early spring, presenting double pink blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant sets fruit, which matures in the summer, containing seeds for the next generation. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy for the next cycle of growth and bloom.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Prunus mume 'Yae Kankobai', commonly known as the double-flowered Japanese apricot, is most popularly propagated using softwood cuttings. This method typically takes place in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible and not fully matured. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots are established, which usually takes several weeks. Regular misting helps to maintain the necessary humidity levels.
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