Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Peggy Clarke')

Overview

The Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’, known widely as the Japanese apricot, is cherished by gardeners for escaping the doldrums of late winter by bursting forth with bloom well before most other woody plants. This variety is specifically valued for its showy, sweetly fragrant, rose-pink double flowers that herald the beginning of spring. As an upright, fast-growing deciduous tree, Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ provides structure and early seasonal interest in the landscape.

Native to East Asia, the Japanese apricot is prized more for its ornamental display than its fruit quality, which is generally poor when eaten fresh. However, the mid- to late-winter flowering of Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ creates a remarkable contrast against dormant surroundings, offering crucial early visual appeal. Its relatively low maintenance requirements further endear it to home gardeners looking for reliable seasonal performance.

Growers should note that while it is a hardy tree, the timing of its bloom makes it susceptible to late frosts, a common concern when siting this beautiful Japanese apricot. Proper placement helps maximize the ornamental impact of this unique flowering specimen.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-20 ft
  • Spread: 15-20 ft
• Bloom Time: March
• Bloom Description: Rose pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the Japanese apricot is best achieved in the dormant season, allowing the roots to establish before summer heat. Select a planting site that offers average, medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams. Although it tolerates part shade, achieving the best flowering display from Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ requires full sun exposure.

Ongoing care focuses heavily on avoiding poor soil conditions, specifically heavy clays or overly wet sites, which can lead to root issues. Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ requires medium water, consistent with regular, deep watering when rainfall is scarce, especially during dry spells. Maintenance is generally low; however, if pruning is necessary to shape the tree, perform this task immediately following the flowering cycle to avoid removing next season’s buds.

For gardeners in the northern limits of its range, such as the St. Louis area, site the tree in a protected location—like the south side of a building—to offer a slight thermal buffer against severe winter cold. Be aware, however, that this very protection might encourage flowers to open prematurely, risking frost damage to the delicate blooms of this significant Japanese apricot.

Landscape Uses

The Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ excels as a striking specimen tree due to its early seasonal show of color. Its rounded form, reaching up to 20 feet tall and wide, makes it an excellent focal point in smaller yards or open lawns where its winter silhouette can be fully appreciated. It functions beautifully as a structural element along walkways or near patios and decks, providing fragrance when people are outdoors during the late winter transition.

When planning companions, select plants that do not compete heavily for moisture or nutrients in its preferred slightly acidic soil. Evergreen shrubs planted nearby can enhance the visual pop of the pink flowers on the Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ when the deciduous canopy is bare. For a sophisticated, year-round border, pair it with evergreen structure that benefits from similar sun and soil conditions.

This tree is versatile enough to be grouped for a stronger early spring display or used singularly as a specimen accent. Because the small fuzzy fruits can sometimes be messy if they drop prematurely or remain on the branches, avoid planting directly above outdoor seating areas where fruit debris might accumulate.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Prunus mume, commonly called Japanese apricot, is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, and in particular for its mid to late winter bloom of pink flowers. It is native to China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It is an upright, fast-growing, deciduous tree that typically grows to 15-20’ tall with a rounded form. It may be trained as a large shrub. Spicily fragrant pink flowers (solitary or in pairs) bloom in winter (February - March in St. Louis but earlier in mild winter climates) before the leaves emerge. Flowers have red calyxes and yellowish stamens. Flowers are followed by fuzzy-skinned, green to yellow apricots (to 1” diameter) with clinging stones. Apricots ripen in summer. Apricots are technically edible fresh from the plant (some say bitter and inedible), but are at any rate of very poor quality in comparison to commercially sold common apricots (Prunus armeniaca). Fruits may be harvested for use in making jams and preserves. Broad-oval leaves (2-4” long) are sharply-serrulate.Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree.Specific epithet is a variant of the Japanese name umi for a species of Prunus.‘Peggy Clarke’ features rose-pink double flowers with red calyxes and very long stamens. It was introduced into the U.S. In 1941 by W. B. Clarke who named it after one of his daughters.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The most significant threat to enjoying the bloom of Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ is unpredictable late winter cold snaps that damage newly opened flowers, which consequently prevents fruit set. Gardeners should site the plant where it receives the best early warmth without encouraging overly early flowering that might suffer frost. If fruits do develop, be prepared for potential messiness as dropped apricots can litter the ground beneath the tree.

Pest management focuses on common stone fruit issues. Monitor for aphids, scale insects, and borers, which can compromise the tree’s vigor. Disease control concentrates on preventing bacterial canker and brown rot, especially in humid conditions or following heavy pruning wounds. Proper air circulation and immediate cleanup of debris help mitigate disease pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Japanese apricot suitable for?

This Japanese apricot variety, Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

When does Japanese apricot bloom?

Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ typically blooms in March, featuring beautiful rose pink flowers before the leaves emerge.

How large does Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ grow?

This deciduous tree generally matures to a height and spread between 15 and 20 feet.

What sun exposure does Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ need?

For optimal performance and flowering, this tree requires full sun to part shade, though full sun promotes the best bloom production.

Conclusion

The Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’ offers invaluable aesthetic compensation during the dormant season with its fragrant, double, rose-pink flowers, making it a low-maintenance gem. Enjoying this beautiful specimen relies on site selection that balances necessary winter chill with protection from harsh late frosts. Assess your local USDA zone compatibility before planting your own Japanese apricot.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’, focus on plants that thrive in similar acidic, well-drained soil conditions and appreciate relatively consistent medium moisture. Early spring bulbs like snowdrops (Galanthus) or winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) can provide low-level ground cover interest beneath the tree while its blooms are present. Avoid aggressive lawn grasses or groundcovers that might choke out emerging roots or require intense summer watering that the Japanese apricot dislikes.

For mid-season structure after the bloom fades, consider incorporating evergreen partners that offer foliage contrast. Dwarf rhododendrons or azaleas, which share the need for acidic soil, make excellent low-to-medium height neighbors. These groupings will ensure that the area remains visually interesting from late winter through summer, supporting the overall structure provided by the Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke’.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Late Autumn/Early Winter is the crucial time for proactive care—ensure the soil has adequate moisture before the ground freezes truly hard. Since pruning should occur immediately after flowering, use this late fall window only for scouting and preparing tools. Monitor closely for any signs of pests like scale or boring insects that may be overwintering on the bark.

Spring is dedicated to admiring the blooms of the Japanese apricot and managing early development. Once flowering finishes in early spring (typically March), observe the need for shaping; prune immediately after bloom if necessary. Keep the soil consistently moist during leaf-out, but avoid over-watering as the tree demands well-drained conditions.

Summer maintenance involves monitoring water needs, especially during periods of drought, ensuring the area around the base remains free of weeds. If fruits ripen, be prepared to promptly clean up fallen apricots to prevent them from becoming a messy nuisance or attracting unwanted pests, keeping this spectacular tree looking tidy.