Beauty Plum: Characteristics, Cultivation, and Uses

The Beauty Plum, a renowned variety of plum blossom, is a horticultural hybrid resulting from the cross between double-petal pink plum blossoms and red-leaved plum. This cultivar, originally introduced from France, is notable for its ease of blooming and dense flower clusters with long pedicels.

The flowers of the Beauty Plum are characterized by their crimson calyxes and pink petals. Due to its cherry plum genetic influence, this hybrid exhibits strong cold resistance and a late blooming period. The vibrant and dense flowers, when viewed closely, resemble fluttering butterflies. Its blooming season typically spans from late March to early April, making it the latest flowering variety among plum blossoms.

Growth and Distribution

The Beauty Plum was introduced to the United States by Professor Chen Junyu, a renowned plum expert. This rare plum variety is prized not only for its attractive floral characteristics but also for its ornamental branches and foliage. The branches maintain a red coloration throughout the year, while the bright red leaves provide visual interest during seasons with fewer flowers.

The mature leaves and branches of the Beauty Plum display a fresh purple-red hue year-round. This cultivar demonstrates remarkable cold hardiness, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). When grafted onto peach or apricot rootstock, it exhibits an impressive reproduction rate with a survival rate exceeding 95%.

Characteristics

The Beauty Plum is a small deciduous tree. Its leaves are ovate to ovate-elliptical, measuring 5-9 cm in length, and display a distinctive purple-red coloration.

The flowers of this hybrid are pink and densely clustered, with 1-2 flowers growing on long, medium, and short flower branches. Blooming occurs in spring, preceding or coinciding with leaf emergence. The flower color ranges from very light purple to pale purple, with the backside of petals slightly darker and a deeper hue at the flower’s center.

Each flower typically consists of 19-28 petals, occasionally accompanied by 0-1 stamen-converted petals. The flower shape is nearly butterfly-like, with layered and loose petals featuring undulating edges that create a dancing effect. The flower center often displays broken petals, adding to its graceful and varied appearance.

The calyx comprises 5 slightly flat, round pieces that are light green with a faint sprinkle of light purple-red blush. The calyx edges feature a more pronounced red-purple blush and fine teeth that curve strongly.

The flowers are borne on long purple pedicels, often in a drooping thread-like formation. The stamens radiate outward but are significantly shorter than the petals. Filaments are light purple-red, while the small anthers range from earth yellow to salmon red in color.

Each flower contains a single pistil, generally sprinkled with purple blush. The lower part of the style is hirsute and may be fully developed or still developing at the time of flowering. While the flowers emit a fragrance, it is not the typical plum scent.

The Beauty Plum occasionally bears fruit. These fruits feature a fresh purple-red skin, and the flesh is suitable for fresh consumption.

The natural flowering period of the Beauty Plum begins with the first flowers opening around March 18th, followed by successive blooming from the top of the tree downward until mid-April. This extended flowering period, combined with its unique coloration and form, makes the Beauty Plum a highly desirable ornamental tree for gardens and landscapes.

Living Habits

The Beauty Plum (Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’) exhibits remarkable cold hardiness. It thrives in full sun locations, demonstrating vigorous growth and prolific blooming. While drought-tolerant, it prefers high atmospheric humidity but cannot withstand waterlogged conditions.

Soil Preferences and Environmental Sensitivities:

The tree adapts to various soil types but flourishes in slightly acidic loam (pH ~6). It’s notably sensitive to air pollution, particularly fluorides, sulfur dioxide, and vehicle emissions. Organophosphate pesticides can also adversely affect the tree.

Cold Hardiness and Seasonal Behavior:

In temperate climates like Shijiazhuang, it overwinters outdoors with minimal protection, requiring only occasional watering to prevent frost damage. Typically, it blooms in mid-March, with leaf buds emerging in mid-April.

Adaptability and Growth Requirements:

The Beauty Plum shows remarkable adaptability to diverse soil textures and pH levels, tolerating both slightly acidic and alkaline conditions. It can thrive in mountainous areas and open fields. While it can endure poor soil, optimal growth is achieved in loose, well-fertilized topsoil with good drainage. The tree exhibits no significant susceptibility to pests or diseases under proper cultivation.

Temperature and Moisture Tolerance:

It withstands summer temperatures of 37-39°C (98-102°F) without issue. However, extreme drought, waterlogging, or poor soil drainage can induce physiological leaf drop.

Flowering Characteristics:

A well-pruned Beauty Plum can produce up to 450 light purple flowers per plant. The blossoms are richly colored yet subtle, offering a cool, refined appearance. Its early spring flowering period is particularly valuable when few other species are in bloom. Container-grown specimens can be manipulated to flower for specific events, such as May Day celebrations.

Ornamental Value and Versatility:

The Beauty Plum’s bright red leaves and purple-red branches provide year-round visual interest, distinguishing it from other plum varieties. Its applications are diverse, including:

• Courtyard landscaping
• Specialty gardens
• Large-scale plantings along streams
• Container gardening for hotels and restaurants
• Cut flowers and holiday decorations

Cultivation Methods

Grafting and Water Management:

While the Beauty Plum prefers consistent moisture, it’s intolerant of standing water. Watering is crucial in early spring and winter to promote growth and prevent frost damage. During the growing season, irrigation is generally unnecessary except in severe drought. In hot, dry summers, increase watering frequency. After heavy rainfall, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

For newly transplanted seedlings:

1. Water immediately after planting
2. Water again after 3-4 days
3. Water once more after 4-5 days
4. Subsequently, adjust watering based on weather conditions

In windy, northern climates where evaporation is rapid, consider misting the foliage in the morning and evening to reduce water loss and promote plant establishment.

Fertilization:

Beauty Plums respond well to fertilization. At planting, incorporate well-decomposed organic matter or mature poultry manure into the soil. During bud differentiation, apply a balanced NPK fertilizer, but cease fertilization thereafter.

Planting Conditions:

While adaptable to various soil types, Beauty Plums perform best in loamy soils. They demonstrate some tolerance to saline and alkaline conditions (tested in soil with pH 8.7 and 0.2% salt content without adverse effects). Plant in elevated, well-drained areas to avoid waterlogging. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal growth.

Winter Protection:

Despite cold hardiness, plant in sheltered, sunny locations. For spring-planted seedlings, whitewash the trunk and main branches, and water to prevent frost damage. Autumn-planted trees may require additional protection such as straw wrapping and mulching. After the first year, normal management suffices, with trunk whitewashing for winter protection.

Pruning and Shaping:

Beauty Plums tolerate pruning well, naturally forming an open vase shape. Maintain 3 main branches, each with 3-4 side branches. Prune in winter for shaping and removing undesirable growth, and after flowering to promote new flowering branches. For transplants, combine heavy pruning with branch thinning to reduce nutrient demand and water loss. Whitewash large pruning cuts.

Pest and Disease Management:

Common pests include aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and longhorn beetles. Use broad-spectrum insecticides like DDVP for control, avoiding phytotoxic options like parathion. For persistent pests like longhorn beetles, consider trunk injection methods.

Prevalent diseases include leaf spot, shot hole disease, and gummosis. Implement proper cultural practices and apply preventative fungicides like carbendazim 2-3 times in early summer and autumn. Alternate fungicides for better disease management. After winter pruning, remove and destroy diseased material and fallen leaves. Maintain a clean tree basin and control weed growth to support overall tree health.

Propagation Method

Propagation Methods

Propagate by cutting, layering, and grafting.

Cutting and Layering

Cuttings are most effective in mid-to-late October. Select vigorous upper or peripheral branches from the crown. After cutting, provide protection from wind and frost.

Grafting

Perform grafting after leaf fall in late autumn or before bud break in early spring. Use peach, apricot, or plum seedlings as rootstock. Choose healthy, pest-free branches from the Beauty Plum tree as scions, 1 to 2 years old, with 3 to 5 full buds.

Branch Grafting:

1. Select a vigorous one-year-old seedling as rootstock.
2. Cut the rootstock 5 cm from the ground and make a longitudinal cut on one side.
3. Prepare the scion by cutting it into a wedge shape at the lower end.
4. Insert the scion into the rootstock cut, aligning the cambium layers.
5. Wrap tightly with a grafting tape or film strip.

Bud Grafting:

1. Perform during the growing season using 1 to 2 year old seedlings as rootstock.
2. Cut a “T” shape in the rootstock bark and peel it back.
3. Select a healthy bud from the middle of a current year’s branch.
4. Cut the bud into a shield shape, including a small section of wood.
5. Insert the bud piece into the rootstock cut, align cambium layers, and tie securely.

Grafting Tips:

• Use sharp tools to ensure clean, smooth cuts.
• Work quickly to minimize exposure of cut surfaces.
• Cover the graft union with soil to retain moisture.
• Remove grafting tape and uncover soil once the scion or bud shows signs of growth.
• Prune competing buds on the rootstock to direct nutrients to the scion.

Value and Uses

The Beauty Plum tree offers exceptional ornamental value throughout the year, particularly for its bright red leaves and purple-red branches. Its versatility makes it suitable for various landscaping applications:

1. Courtyard arrangements
2. Specialized gardens
3. Plum gardens and stream-side plantings
4. Container cultivation
5. Bonsai specimens for hotels and restaurants
6. Floral arrangements and cut flowers for festivals

As an important ornamental flowering and foliage tree, the Beauty Plum provides stunning displays in multiple seasons:

• Early spring: Vibrant red flowers bloom before leaves emerge, creating a spectacular show.
• Year-round: Attractive foliage and branch coloration offer continuous interest.

Planting suggestions:

• Use as a specimen tree for focal points
• Plant in groups for dramatic effect
• Combine with green-leaved plants for color contrast
• Ideal for courtyard settings or along garden paths

The Beauty Plum’s striking appearance and adaptability make it a valuable addition to diverse landscape designs, offering visual interest from its flowers, foliage, and branch structure throughout the year.