How to Grow Flowering Almond Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Flowering almond bush is a beautiful plant that flowers in the spring. The flowers are white and have a sweet almond scent. The plant is native to China and Japan but can be found in many parts of the world. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Flowering Almond Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Ailanthus glandulosa
  • Ailanthus triphysa
  • Ailanthus altissima
  • Ailanthus webbiana
  • Ailanthus excelsa

Basic info

  • The flowering almond bush is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  • It is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae.
  • The flowering almond bush grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet.
  • It has a spreading growth habit and can reach a width of 10 feet.
  • The leaves are dark green and lance-shaped.
  • The flowers are pink or white and have five petals.
  • The flowering almond bush blooms in late winter or early spring.
  • The fruit is a small, hard drupe that is green when immature and brown when ripe.
  • The flowering almond bush is propagated by seed, cuttings, or grafting.
  • It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Planting Process

  1. For flowering almond bush, first step is to find a good location. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It also needs well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have chosen a good location, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass. You may also need to loosen the soil with a shovel or rake.
  3. Next, it is time to plant your flowering almond bush. Place the plant in the hole and then backfill with soil.
  4. Water the plant well.
  5. After the plant is established, you will need to prune it each year. The best time to do this is in late winter or early spring.
  6. Flowers will appear on the plant in early spring.
  7. The plant will produce fruits in late summer or early fall.
  8. Once the fruits are ripe, they can be harvested.
  9. If you want to, you can dry the fruits and use them in cooking or baking.
  10. Flowering almond bush can also be used as an ornamental plant in the landscape.

Related plant:
Spring Flowering Bushes

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the flowering almond bush prefers well-drained soils, and can grow in both sandy and clay soils. However, the bush will not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils. It is best to plant the bush in full sun to partial shade.

About light

So, like the other plants, the flowering almond bush needs sunlight to grow. However, it can also tolerate some shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant the bush in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a flowering almond bush is one that is cool and moist. This type of condition is typically found in areas that have a lot of rainfall or snowfall. The bush will also need to be in an area where the sun does not shine directly on it for at least part of the day.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40 to 50%. The plant requires less watering during fall and winter season. During hot and dry summer days, the plant may need more frequent watering. To check if the plant needs watering, stick your finger 2-inch deep in the soil, if it feels dry then water the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant requires a good amount of phosphorus for proper flowering. A phosphorus-heavy fertilizer is best used when the flowering almond bush is young and actively growing. As the bush matures, however, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer you use. Proper root care is essential for the health of your flowering almond bush. Be sure to water the bush deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. To help the roots retain moisture, add a layer of mulch around the base of the bush.

Light requirement

Pruning your flowering almond bush is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune depends on the type of plant and the desired look. Some pruning is done to shape the plant, while other pruning is done to remove dead or dying branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new, green growth that hasn't yet flowered. Cut just below a leaf node, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, then plant in moistened potting mix. Cover the pot with plastic to create a humid environment, and place in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and roots should form in 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed and the plant is growing well, you can transplant it to a larger pot or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the variety of plant. However, generally speaking, these bushes will grow quite rapidly in the right conditions. They can easily double in size in a single season and will continue to grow and produce flowers for many years. When planting, be sure to give them plenty of space to spread out and allow for good air circulation to prevent disease. Also, be sure to water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. With proper care, your flowering almond bush will provide you with years of enjoyment.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and blights. These can all be controlled with fungicides. If the plant is severely infected, it may need to be removed and destroyed.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing flowering almond bush indoors, make sure to provide plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Flowering almond bush prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
  • Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  • To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stems.
  • To keep your plant looking its best, deadhead any spent flowers.
  • Flowering almond bush is susceptible to aphids and scale insects. Check your plant regularly for pests and treat accordingly.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your plant from frost damage.
  • Flowering almond bush is generally a low-maintenance plant

Related Plants

  • Flowering Quince
  • Flowering Currant
  • Flowering crab
  • Flowering dogwood
  • Flowering almond tree
  • Flowering willow
  • Flowering Judas
  • Flowering Rush
  • Flowering Pear
  • Flowering Cherry Tree

Source:
Almonds in the Home Garden | USU - Utah State University
Prunus triloba var. multiplex: Flowering-Almond - University of Florida
Ornamental Cherry, Plum, Apricot & Almond - Clemson University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category