Maintenance Landscaping Design

Prunus triloba is a small, deciduous tree with a spreading habit that is native to China. The leaves are ovate-shaped and have a toothed margin. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are white or pink and appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a small, dark-colored drupe.

Popular name

• Almond tree
  
• Cherry tree
  
• Damson tree
  
• Peach tree
  
• Plum tree

Basic info

• The prunus triloba is a small to medium sized deciduous tree.
  
• It is native to China but has been introduced to other parts of the world.
  
• The tree has a rounded crown and can grow up to 10m tall.
  
• The leaves are simple, alternate and have a toothed margin.
  
• The flowers are white or pink and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit is a drupe, which is edible but often sour.
  
• The tree is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.
  
• It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  
• The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for use in furniture and construction.
  
• Prunus triloba is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and aphids.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Planting Process

1. For prunus triloba, first step is to choose the proper location.
   
2. The second step is to clear the area where you want to plant the tree.
   
3. The third step is to dig a hole.
   
4. The fourth step is to place the tree in the hole.
   
5. The fifth step is to backfill the hole with soil.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the tree.
   
7. The seventh step is to fertilize the tree.
   
8. The eighth step is to mulch the tree.
   
9. The ninth step is to prune the tree.
   
10. The tenth step is to observe the tree.

Related plant:
Prunus Nigra

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, prunus triloba can adapt to different soil conditions. It is a drought tolerant plant once it is established. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The soil should be well-drained, and it is important to avoid over-watering.

Light requirement

Similar to other members of the Prunus genus, the triloba subspecies needs full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. This means that it should be planted in an area of the garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, choose a spot that also offers some protection from the afternoon heat, as this can help extend the blooming period.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of Prunus triloba is optimal at around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. They can survive in colder environments but may not flower. In too warm of an environment, the leaves may begin to experience chlorosis.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The plant can tolerate a wide range of humidity, from very dry to very wet, but prefers a moderate level. Too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth on the plant, which can be harmful.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant is given 1/2 pound of 5-10-5 fertilizer per year. For the root, it is important to keep it moist but not wet. The plant does not like to have its roots disturbed.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your prunus triloba healthy and attractive. Pruning encourages new growth, which results in a fuller, more compact plant. It also helps to remove diseased or damaged branches. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud or leaf node.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of prunus triloba is typically done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be about 6-8 inches in length. Cut the bottom of the cutting at an angle of 45 degrees and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moistened, sterile potting mix and place in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and within a few weeks the cutting should develop roots and begin to grow.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is medium to fast. In the first year, it can grow about 24 inches (60 cm), and about 12 inches (30 cm) in the second year. The average prunus triloba growth rate is about 10 inches (25 cm) per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. pests include aphids, scale, and mites. Diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. Nutrient deficiencies include nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Basics of Growing

• Make sure to plant prunus triloba in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
  
• Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Be sure to protect the plant from cold weather or frost.
  
• The plant may need to be staked to keep it from toppling over.
  
• Insects and diseases can be a problem for prunus triloba. Be sure to keep an eye out for pests and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest the fruit when it is ripe and use it fresh or in recipes.
  
• The leaves can be used to make tea.
  
• Prunus triloba makes an excellent ornamental plant.

Related Plants

• Prunus triloba var. purpurascens
  
• Prunus triloba var. lutea
  
• Prunus triloba var. maackii
  
• Prunus triloba var. alba
  
• Prunus triloba var. villosa
  
• Prunus triloba var. rosea
  
• Prunus triloba var. albescens
  
• Prunus triloba var. arborea
  
• Prunus triloba var. attenuata
  
• Prunus triloba var. longituba

Source:
Prunus triloba (Flowering Almond) - 7 images at image, …
SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide - Cal Poly
Prunus triloba; Flowering Plum - University of California, Berkeley