Flowering Almond
Prunus glandulosa
Flowering almond is a small deciduous ornamental shrub prized for its profuse pink or white pompom-like blossoms that smother the bare branches in early spring. Despite the name it is grown for show rather than nuts.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Weekly; moderate, well-drained
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) is a compact, twiggy deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to China and Japan and grown across temperate gardens for its spectacular spring bloom. The double-flowered forms ('Sinensis', 'Alba Plena') are the most popular, producing rows of carnation-like pink or white pompons along every stem before the leaves emerge.
It typically reaches 4-5 ft tall and wide, making it a manageable accent for borders, foundations or cottage gardens. The bloom is brief but dazzling, and the plant is otherwise unremarkable for the rest of the year, so it is usually paired with summer-interest companions.
How to identify it
- Habit: Rounded, multi-stemmed shrub 4-5 ft tall with slender, arching twigs.
- Flowers: Early-spring, 1-inch single or double blooms in pink or white, lined densely along bare branches.
- Leaves: Narrow, oval, finely toothed, bright green, 1-3 in long, emerging after flowers.
- Fruit: Small red drupes on single-flowered forms; double forms rarely fruit.
- Bark: Thin, gray-brown on young stems.
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade.
Water: Keep evenly moist when young; established plants need only weekly water in dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil: Average, well-drained loam; tolerates a range of pH.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Feeding: A spring application of balanced fertilizer is plenty.
Pruning/Propagation: Prune immediately after flowering since blooms form on old wood. Propagate from softwood cuttings in summer.
Habitat & origin
Native to central and northern China and naturalized in Japan, where it grows on hillsides and woodland margins. It has been cultivated in East Asian gardens for centuries and was introduced to Western horticulture in the 19th century.
Today it is widely planted as an ornamental throughout temperate North America, Europe and Asia in zones 4-8.
Uses & benefits
Grown almost exclusively as an ornamental for its early, showy spring flowers in borders, hedges and cottage gardens. Branches are popular for cut-flower arrangements and forced indoor bloom.
It offers early nectar for pollinators, though the double forms provide little. It has no edible value, and the true almond of commerce is a different species (Prunus dulcis).
Frequently asked questions
Does flowering almond produce edible almonds?
No. It is purely ornamental. Commercial almonds come from Prunus dulcis, a different species.
When should I prune it?
Right after it finishes blooming in spring, because flower buds form on the previous year's wood.
Why didn't mine flower well?
Usually too much shade or pruning at the wrong time. Give it full sun and prune only just after bloom.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. The seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic compounds and are considered toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
Flowering Almond guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Flowering Almond.
