How to Grow Flowering Almond Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Flowering almond shrub is a rose family member that produces small, pink or white flowers in the early spring. This tough, reliable plant is easy to grow and is a good choice for beginners. It can be used as a hedge, specimen plant, or in mass plantings.

How to Grow Flowering Almond Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • peach
  • apricot
  • plum
  • cherry
  • nectarine

Common Knowledge

  • Flowering almond shrub is an ornamental plant that is native to China.
  • It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  • It has pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring.
  • The flowers are followed by edible drupes that are used in pies and jams.
  • Flowering almond shrub is susceptible to several diseases including powdery mildew and rust.
  • It is also attractive to many pests including aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles.
  • Flowering almond shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
  • It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  • It is relatively easy to grow and care for.
  • Flowering almond shrub makes an excellent addition to any landscape.

Related plant:
Flowering Almond Bush

Planting Process

  1. For flowering almond shrub, first step is to grow in well-drained soil.
  2. Then, water the plant regularly.
  3. After that, fertilize the plant regularly.
  4. Next, prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  5. In addition, deadhead the plant to encourage more blooms.
  6. Furthermore, stakes may be necessary to support the plant.
  7. Finally, winterize the plant properly to protect it from the cold.

Related plant:
Best Flowering Shrubs

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, flowering almond shrub prefers well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to other soil types. It is not very drought tolerant, however, so it may need extra watering during extended periods of dry weather. It is also susceptible to root rot, so it is important to make sure the soil is not too wet.

Light requirement

So, like the other flowering shrubs, the flowering almond shrub requires a lot of sun to produce a bountiful amount of flowers. This shrub can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in fewer flowers. If you want your flowering almond shrub to be covered in gorgeous blooms, make sure to plant it in an area that gets plenty of sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the flowering almond shrub is cool weather. This means that the shrub should be kept in an area that has a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, the shrub will not flower.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 80 percent. Flowering almond shrub can live in lower humidity but it will not produce as many flowers. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need much. You can use a light hand with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Flowering almond shrub is very drought tolerant, so make sure to really water it when you first plant it, then give it a deep soaking once a week. The roots grow quickly, so make sure the pot has plenty of room for the roots to expand.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your flowering almond shrub healthy and looking its best. Prune in early spring, just before new growth begins. remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other, or that are crossing and crowding the center of the shrub. Thin out the interior of the shrub to allow light and air to reach the center. shaping the shrub as you prune.

The Propagation

Propagation of flowering almond shrub is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 12 inches per year. Some faster-growing varieties can reach a height of 15 feet in just a few years. The flowering almond shrub is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold winters and hot summers.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide. If the plant is affected by these diseases, it is important to remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly.

Growing Tips

  • If you want your flowering almond shrub to thrive, make sure to plant it in a sunny spot.
  • It's important to water your plant regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them accordingly.
  • Deadhead your plant to prolong the flowering season.
  • Stake your plant if it becomes top-heavy.
  • Cut back the plant in late winter to promote new growth in the spring.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your flowering almond shrub!

Similar Plants

  • A flowering almond shrub is a shrub that produces flowers.
  • A rose is a flowering shrub that has flowers with petals.
  • A daisy is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A chrysanthemum is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A lily is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A tulip is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A daffodil is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A geranium is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.
  • A marigold is a flowering plant that has flowers with petals.

Source:
ENH-678/ST520: Prunus triloba var. multiplex: Flowering-Almond
Prunus triloba var. multiplex: Flowering-Almond - University of Florida
Almond | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category