Chinese Plum (Prunus glandulosa) is a delicate, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that transforms itself each April with showy pink or white cherry-like blossoms. Native to China, this compact ornamental grows 4 to 5 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide, earning its common nickname of dwarf flowering almond. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires only moderate water and low maintenance once established. The flowers are followed by small, dark red fruits that add visual interest through summer, and the plant's slender stems and irregular form give it an artfully natural character in the garden.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
60in H x 48in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
In mid-April, Chinese Plum erupts with abundant half-inch blossoms that blanket the thin stems in pink or white (often appearing double or semi-double). The dark red fruits that follow are small but striking, appearing as ruby beads along the bare stems. This shrub tolerates urban conditions and some drought stress, making it resilient in less-than-ideal settings. The key to keeping it looking its best is annual pruning right after flowering, which encourages fresh stem growth and ensures a dense, vigorous display the following year.
Chinese Plum is primarily grown as an ornamental flowering shrub for its spring display. Its showy blossoms make it valuable in early-season garden design, and it attracts birds to the garden, particularly when the small dark red fruits ripen in summer. The compact size and low maintenance requirements suit it to foundation plantings, shrub borders, and mixed beds where spring color is desired.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune Chinese Plum immediately after flowering in April to encourage the growth of new stems that will bear flowers the following year. This annual pruning is essential not only for maximizing bloom but also for maintaining a neat appearance, as the shrub naturally develops an irregular form and can become sparse or open without regular attention. Remove root suckers unless you desire naturalization.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.