(c) Richard Littauer, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist
Japanese Apricot Plant Care
Prunus mume Koehne
Prunus mume, also known as the Japanese apricot or ume, is a stunning flowering tree prized for its early bloom time in late winter to early spring. Its delicate pink or white blossoms and unique fragrance make it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.nativeTo: China, Korea, Japan
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–90°F
40–70%
What Is the Japanese Apricot?
Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Japanese Apricot is native to China, Korea, Japan. Japanese Apricot is also known as Chinese Plum, Plum Blossom, Ume.
Japanese Apricot displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 15 inches. Japanese Apricot produces showy clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Japanese Apricot?
Prunus mume requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Japanese Apricot Need?
Japanese Apricot thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Japanese Apricot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Japanese Apricot Prefer?
Prunus mume grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 90°F. Japanese Apricot prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Japanese Apricot?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Apricot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Japanese Apricot?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Japanese Apricot?
Japanese Apricot can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cherry blossom tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Japanese Apricot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Toxic to humans if ingested, non-toxic to pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Japanese Apricot?
Japanese Apricot is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Japanese Apricot Need?
Japanese Apricot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. Native to China, Korea, Japan, Japanese Apricot is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Japanese Apricot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Japanese Apricot is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Prunus genus — compare its care with other Prunus species on PlantoScan.
Japanese Apricot tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Prunus Species
Other Prunus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Identify Plants Like the
Japanese Apricot Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species