Prunus mume

[Jzack605]

Thinking about breaking my no more trees for 2019 decision. Found a nice Japanese Apricot for a reasonable price and considering it. What considerations are necessary for growing one in zone 7, specifically Long Island? I overwinter all my trees in a very protected spot outside and none of missed a beat (Dogwood, Dawn Redwoods, Bald Cypress, Cedar, ect.) but not too familiar with this one.

 

[R3x]

Prunus Mume (or Ume) is very frost-hardy. There should not be any problem with it.

 

[AlainK]

If you can keep bald cypress where you live, I would think there should be no problem with Prunus Mume...

 

[JudyB]

You won't regret breaking that promise, Ume are very rewarding.

 

[Nybonsai12]

I'm not far from you and the only issue with Ume are that late season freezes can destroy the flower buds. I've had trees growing out in the ground produce tons of flower buds only to have them destroyed by a late freeze.

It is what it is when simply growing out because they bounce back just fine, but anything in a pot I would protect a little better.

 

[River's Edge]

Thinking about breaking my no more trees for 2019 decision. Found a nice Japanese Apricot for a reasonable price and considering it. What considerations are necessary for growing one in zone 7, specifically Long Island? I overwinter all my trees in a very protected spot outside and none of missed a beat (Dogwood, Dawn Redwoods, Bald Cypress, Cedar, ect.) but not too familiar with this one.

Special considerations for growing include prevention of fungal issues for Ume. More important in humid climates, cool wet spring or wet cool fall situations. Preventative measures are important if this applies to your location.

 

[Jzack605]

Awesome, definitely leaning toward pulling the trigger. Thanks all.

 

[River's Edge]

Certain cultivars are hardier than others, this may be an important consideration. Perhaps inquire when purchasing! The seller may have some good suggestions. There is also good information on Brent Walston's site. Evergreen Gardenworks

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I'm not far from you and the only issue with Ume are that late season freezes can destroy the flower buds. I've had trees growing out in the ground produce tons of flower buds only to have them destroyed by a late freeze.

It is what it is when simply growing out because they bounce back just fine, but anything in a pot I would protect a little better.

Fruit growers in these areas set up misting systems to prevent this. The thin layer of ice that forms on the buds (and flowers and developing fruits) due to the misting, is enough to keep them from freezing. I'm not sure if you're looking for a solution to the problem, but here you go.

 

[AlainK]

Fruit growers in these areas set up misting systems to prevent this. The thin layer of ice that forms on the buds (and flowers and developing fruits) due to the misting, is enough to keep them from freezing.

That's what fruit growers in the south do here too for apricot and peach-trees. But it can protect the trees only if the temps dont fall below -2°, -3° C (28.4 F). If the temperatures get lower, no fruit.

 

[Jzack605]

Yeah I’ve heard of that method being used in Florida for oranges during freezes.

 

[Jzack605]

I’m going to bump this because the grower isn’t very communicative.

anyone grow the straight species? He has an ungrafted straight Prunus mume I like the looks of but wondering how they compare to cultivars, especially in terms of flowering.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I’m going to bump this because the grower isn’t very communicative.

anyone grow the straight species? He has an ungrafted straight Prunus mume I like the looks of but wondering how they compare to cultivars, especially in terms of flowering.

Yes...one of my favorite trees, all year around, but especially in January when it’s blooming and everything else is sleeping.

 

[Jzack605]

Awesome tree

 

[Jzack605]

Well which one would you all pick? I’m leaning toward the one in brown pot and grafting a branch or two in at some point.

 

[arreaux]

"Grafting" some thing I haven't tried.... Yep Brown.

 

[Jzack605]

I'm not far from you and the only issue with Ume are that late season freezes can destroy the flower buds. I've had trees growing out in the ground produce tons of flower buds only to have them destroyed by a late freeze.

It is what it is when simply growing out because they bounce back just fine, but anything in a pot I would protect a little better.

When does yours typically flower?

 

[Jzack605]

Got the tree, will post pics soon. Unfortunately the pot was broken in transit so I slip pot it as carefully as I could into a new pot. Really excited on this tree, but nervous about the impromptu re-pot.

 

[Nybonsai12]

When does yours typically flower?

Sometime in March

 

[GSCarlson]

How’s this tree doing?