Prunus triloba: pruning, frost-resistance & varieties of flowering almond trees
The stunning blooms of the almond tree make for a real eye-catcher in the garden. The partly double flowers appear quite early in the year.
Although the name of the almond tree (Prunus triloba) might suggest a smaller-growing form of the true almond tree (Prunus dulcis), these are two clearly distinguishable species that merely belong to the same genus. To avoid making mistakes when planting, caring for and pruning this medium-sized shrub, we have explained the procedure in detail in this article. We also present the most beautiful shrub varieties.
Contents
Prunus triloba: origin and characteristics
The deciduous almond tree is native to eastern China. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). The Prunus genus includes several other representatives that should be familiar to everyone, such as the sweet cherry (Prunus avium), the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), the peach tree (Prunus persica), the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) and even the evergreen cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).
Almond trees usually reach a growth height of 150-200 cm. Its ascending shoots form a broad, bushy shape. The almond tree is also popular when grown as a half-height or standard tree. The dark green, broadly oval shaped leaves are arranged alternately on the branches and are slightly serrated at the edges. In autumn, some of the foliage of the medium-sized shrub turns a yellow-orange. The mostly pale pink flowers of the almond tree are more or less filled, depending on the variety. They can be found on the one-year-old shoots and bloom from April to May, usually before or during leaf sprouting. Fruits are usually not found on the almond tree because the flowers are usually sterile.
Is the almond tree bee friendly? Due to the moderate supply of nectar and pollen, the almond tree is not an exceptionally valuable food source for bees.
The most beautiful varieties of prunus triloba
The different varieties of almond tree really differ only in their blossom, flowering time and vigour. We present the most beautiful varieties here:
- Prunus triloba ˈAlbaˈ: the flowers of this almond tree variety are white and double. The flowering period is in May.
- Prunus triloba ˈRose mouthˈ: from March to April, this variety bears double pink flowers that exude a delightful fragrance. ˈRosenmundˈ is also a vigorous variety.
- Prunus triloba var. simplex: this variety of almond tree is rather rare. The unfilled pink flower makes its appearance somewhat different to the typical variety.
Tip: the dwarf almond (Prunus tenella) visually resembles the variety with its unfilled flowers and is more readily available, but is also much less vigorous.
Planting prunus triloba: location, planting time and more
Those who choose a sunny and sheltered location for the heat-loving almond tree will be rewarded with abundant flowering. However, this ornamental shrub can still cope even in semi-shaded places. This medium-sized shrub will tolerate any normal garden soil, though it prefers fresh to moderately moist, sandy loam soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. In any case, the substrate should be well drained but also have a uniformly good water supply. Persistent waterlogging or drought cause difficulties for the shrub.
Can almond trees be cultivated in a container? For planting the almond tree in a container, you will need a stem first of all. The planter should have a capacity of at least 30 litres and a drain for excess water. A suitable high-quality, permeable container plant soil is suitable as a substrate. This can be mixed with sand or perlite by about 1/3 of the volume for even longer structural stability. To ensure optimal drainage of water, a drainage layer of expanded clay should be added to the bottom of the container.
The best time to plant an almond tree is early spring, because this will give it all summer to establish itself in its new place and better survive the first winter. The planting hole should be dug about twice the size of the root ball of the plant. Ideally, the excavated soil should then be enriched with a little compost and mixed. A good basis for this is our Plantura Organic Enriched Compost. Its high humus content improves not only the fertility of the soil but also the heat and water balance.
- Perfect for all crops and ornamental plants with a high nutrient requirement & for raised beds
- Improves soil quality & promotes healthy root growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Now the almond tree is placed as deep as it was previously in the pot, and the planting hole is levelled out with the excavated soil. Water thoroughly after patting down the soil.
Almond tree care
In order to help an almond tree thrive in all its glory, you should regularly apply a few care measures. How to do this is explained below.
Pruning, watering and fertilising Prunus triloba
Attention should be paid to a balanced water supply, especially when growing the almond tree in a pot. Water little and often rather than risking waterlogging through infrequent but abundant watering. Well-established specimens in the ground can even survive isolated periods of drought without damage.
Annual vigorous pruning of the almond tree after flowering is a very important maintenance measure. In the process, all the shoots of the bush are shortened to about 10-20 cm, and thin shoots are removed completely. This helps to revitalise, rejuvenate and maintain the health of the almond tree.
Almond trees in pots are best supplied with a convenient granular fertiliser. Use a primarily organic fertiliser like our Plantura Flower Food to keep your potting soil as revitalised and loose as possible. After all, an organic fertiliser provides both the plant and the soil with important components for maintaining health.
Transplanting an almond tree
If you want to transplant your almond tree, young specimens can easily be moved in the spring. Allow a little more time for older almond trees. In May, poke around the root ball of the plant with a spade. By next spring, enough fine roots will have formed within the poked area to dig it up and relocate it. To support growth, apply around 2 to 3 litres of compost per square metre in spring.
Tip: the shoots of the almond tree are ideal for inserting. For example, they can be pruned in early December for use as Barbara branches.
Common diseases and pests
Infestation with the fungal disease Monilia, also known as lace drought, occurs frequently in almond trees. Vigorous pruning in the spring is an important preventive measure against such infestation. This removes the potentially infested shoot tips. Shot hole disease (Stigmina carpophila) can also occur in spring after frequent rainfall. To prevent or remedy infestation with this fungal pathogen, the fallen foliage should be removed and the shrub thinned slightly, if necessary, to ensure faster drying of the leaves.
A pest occasionally observed on the almond tree is the winter moth (Operophtera brumata).
Another danger, which mainly affects the flowers of the almond tree, is late frost. Below, we describe what can be done to protect against this.
Are almond trees hardy?
Almond trees are sufficiently hardy and easily cope with cold temperatures. However, early flowers are at risk of late frosts. They can be protected by choosing a sheltered location or, in harsh locations, by wrapping the shrub with an anti-frost fleece. For almond trees in containers, foliage should be placed on the surface for protection and jute bags or fleece should be wrapped around the container to prevent freezing through. A place protected from the wind against the wall of a house is good in winter.
Are almond trees poisonous?
Unlike the bitter almond (Prunus dulcis var. amara), the fruits of which can be very poisonous, the almond tree does not require special care since it usually does not bear fruit anyway. Nevertheless, it is an ornamental shrub, the plant parts of which are not suitable for consumption.
Another ornamental shrub that bears flowers very early in the year and has a colourful foliage is the strap flower. Learn more about the magnificent witch hazel in our article.
