The plum blossom, revered as the foremost among China’s top ten famous flowers, embodies the virtues of nobility, resilience, and humility in traditional Chinese culture. Its ability to bloom in the harsh winter climate has long inspired admiration for its strength and beauty, symbolizing perseverance and hope.
When considering the most beautiful plum blossom varieties, it’s important to note that beauty is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences. However, several varieties are widely recognized for their exceptional characteristics. Here, we’ll explore ten of the most stunning plum blossom varieties, each with its unique charm:
Unquestionably, the most esteemed plum blossom cultivar is Biejiao Wan Shui (别角晚水), found on Meihua Shan (Plum Blossom Hill) in Nanjing, revered as China’s premier plum blossom specimen.
This extremely rare variety is represented by a single, irreplaceable tree located exclusively on Meihua Shan, making it an invaluable horticultural treasure. Biejiao Wan Shui’s exquisite flowers bear a striking resemblance to lotus blooms, featuring a soft white coloration. The inner petals maintain a pure white hue, while the outer edges display a delicate pink blush, creating a captivating gradient effect.
The flower’s center exhibits a light green pistil, surrounded by vibrant yellow stamens, adding to its visual appeal. This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally high degree of petal duplication, boasting up to 45 petals per blossom – a characteristic that sets it apart from most plum varieties. The fragrance of Biejiao Wan Shui is notably subtle and refined, further enhancing its status as an extraordinarily rare and prized plum blossom variety.
The unique attributes of Biejiao Wan Shui, combined with its singular existence, make it not only a horticultural marvel but also a subject of scientific interest and conservation efforts. Its preservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity within the Prunus mume species and for ongoing research in plum blossom cultivation and genetics.
A cherished gem among plum blossom varieties, Longyou Mei (龙游梅) is renowned for its distinctive branch structure and exquisite floral characteristics. This cultivar, native to Longyou County in Zhejiang Province, China, stands out primarily due to its unique growth habit.
The most striking feature of Longyou Mei is its naturally curving branches, which create a sinuous, dragon-like form – a characteristic that inspired its name, as “long” (龙) means dragon in Chinese. This intricate branching pattern not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes it highly prized for bonsai cultivation.
The flowers of Longyou Mei are equally captivating. They are multi-petaled (多瓣), typically featuring 30-40 petals arranged in several layers, creating a full, rosette-like appearance. The blossoms are predominantly snow-white, although they may sometimes display a faint pink tinge, especially in cooler temperatures. These flowers emit a delicate, sweet fragrance that adds to the sensory experience of appreciating this cultivar.
Longyou Mei is valued for its dual ornamental qualities – its flowers (花) and its branches (枝) – making it a versatile subject for various traditional Chinese art forms, including painting and poetry, as well as horticultural displays. Its natural form lends itself exceptionally well to bonsai cultivation, where its dragon-like branches can be further accentuated through careful pruning and training.
It’s important to note that there is only one recognized variety of Longyou Mei, known as “Yudie Longyou Mei” (玉蝶龙游梅), which translates to “Jade Butterfly Longyou Plum.” This exclusivity adds to its prestige and value. When cultivated as a bonsai, a Longyou Mei truly becomes a living masterpiece, encapsulating centuries of Chinese horticultural artistry within a single pot.
For optimal growth and flowering, Longyou Mei requires well-draining soil, moderate watering, and a position that receives full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and benefits from some winter protection in colder regions. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for the following season’s blooms.
A list of the most beautiful plum blossoms would be incomplete without Sajin Mei (細身梅, meaning “Slender Body Plum”). This cultivar is renowned for its unique and striking floral display. The flowers are predominantly white, each adorned with distinctive red stripes, creating a captivating bicolor effect.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Sajin Mei is its tendency towards genetic instability, resulting in chimeras. Occasionally, some branches will produce entirely red flowers, a phenomenon known as “sporting” in horticulture. These red branches, once developed, continue to produce red blossoms that maintain their color throughout the blooming period. This natural variation adds an element of surprise and visual interest to the tree.
Sajin Mei’s ornamental value extends beyond its color patterns. The tree is known for its profuse flowering habit, with blossoms densely covering the branches. This abundance of flowers, combined with the slender, graceful form of the tree, makes Sajin Mei particularly well-suited for bonsai cultivation. The artistic potential of this variety allows for the creation of stunning miniature landscapes that showcase the beauty of plum blossoms in a compact form.
Moreover, the cut branches of Sajin Mei are highly prized in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The long-lasting flowers and interesting branch structure provide floral designers with excellent material for creating elegant and expressive compositions.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Sajin Mei, like other plum varieties, is valued for its early blooming period. Often flowering in late winter or early spring, it brings color and life to gardens when many other plants are still dormant, symbolizing resilience and the promise of renewal in Japanese culture.
For gardeners and horticulturists, Sajin Mei offers a combination of beauty, versatility, and cultural significance, making it a treasured addition to ornamental plantings, whether in a traditional Japanese garden, a contemporary landscape, or as a focal point in container gardens.
One of the top ten plum blossom varieties, Gongfen Mei (宫粉梅) is a sight to behold with its profuse light-red to pink flowers and a particularly strong, pleasing fragrance. This cultivar group is renowned for its elegant form and ornamental value in traditional Chinese gardens.
Gongfen Mei has the most diverse subvarieties within its group, primarily featuring three distinct types:
All Gongfen Mei varieties share certain traits, such as their early to mid-season blooming period (typically late winter to early spring) and their ability to thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soils. They are generally hardy plants, capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making them popular choices for gardens in temperate climates.
The Gongfen Mei group’s combination of prolific flowering, intense fragrance, and diverse color options have made it a favorite among plum blossom enthusiasts and a staple in classical Chinese gardens. Their cultural significance extends beyond their beauty, often symbolizing perseverance, purity, and the arrival of spring in Chinese art and literature.
Lü’e Mei (绿萼梅), often regarded as one of the most exquisite plum blossom varieties, embodies the essence of elegance and refinement in Chinese horticulture. This cultivar, prized for its unique characteristics, stands out among the diverse array of Prunus mume varieties.
Before blossoming, the flower buds of Lü’e Mei present a distinctive appearance reminiscent of ancient Chinese coins. The flat, lotus-like base with a small square aperture in the center gives rise to its name, which translates to “Green Calyx Plum.” This feature not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also connects it to Chinese cultural symbolism.
Lü’e Mei is particularly notable for its impressive flower size, with fully opened blossoms reaching a diameter of approximately 3.5 cm, making it one of the largest-flowered plum blossom varieties. As the flower unfurls, it reveals a fascinating structure: a petal membrane envelops the pristine white petals, creating a visual effect similar to that of a chrysanthemum in bloom. This unique characteristic sets Lü’e Mei apart from other plum blossom varieties.
The flower’s form is further enhanced by its intricate petal arrangement. The outer petals display an attractively irregular edge, while the inner petals exhibit a subtle wrinkling and undulation. This complex structure creates a dynamic silhouette that evokes the image of a butterfly in flight, adding movement and life to the blossom.
Complementing its visual allure, Lü’e Mei produces a potent and pleasing fragrance. This olfactory quality, combined with its striking appearance, makes it an exceptional choice for ornamental purposes in traditional Chinese gardens, modern landscapes, and floral arrangements.
The cultivar’s gentlemanly aura, as often described in Chinese literature and art, stems from its combination of delicate beauty and subtle complexity. These qualities align with traditional Chinese aesthetic values, which prize refinement and depth in natural forms.
Lü’e Mei typically blooms in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate. Its ability to flower in cold weather, often while snow still covers the ground, symbolizes resilience and the promise of renewal in Chinese culture. This makes it not just a horticultural treasure, but also a plant of significant cultural importance.
Zhusha Mei (朱砂梅), also known as Cinnabar Plum, is one of the most highly esteemed plum blossom varieties in China and worldwide. This cultivar belongs to the species Prunus mume, which encompasses over 300 varieties in China alone, with Zhusha Mei being particularly notable for its vibrant coloration and exquisite form.
The flowers of Zhusha Mei exhibit remarkable diversity in their petal arrangement, varying from single to double or multiple layers. Their color ranges from deep red to purplish-red, reminiscent of cinnabar, a mercury sulfide mineral from which it derives its name. The blossoms unfurl in elegant shapes, transitioning from bowl-like forms to more open, dish-like configurations as they mature. A delicate, sweet fragrance emanates from the flowers, adding to their allure.
One of the distinguishing features of Zhusha Mei is its “red in the bone” characteristic. This refers to the light purplish-red coloration of the new xylem within the branches, visible when the bark is removed or when young shoots emerge. This internal coloration is a prized trait among plum blossom enthusiasts and contributes to the cultivar’s overall aesthetic appeal throughout the year.
The prime blooming period for Zhusha Mei typically occurs from mid-to-late February to early March, depending on local climate conditions. This timing makes it a cherished harbinger of spring in many regions of China and other temperate climates where it is cultivated.
Several notable sub-varieties of Zhusha Mei have been developed, each with its own unique characteristics:
Cultivation of Zhusha Mei requires well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and protection from harsh winds. It is often used in traditional Chinese gardens, bonsai art, and as ornamental plants in parks and public spaces. The Zhusha Mei not only serves as a beautiful ornamental plant but also holds cultural significance in Chinese art, literature, and philosophy, symbolizing perseverance, purity, and the arrival of spring.
Chuizhi Mei, also known as Weeping Plum or Pendulous Plum, is revered by many horticulturists and flower enthusiasts as the epitome of plum blossom beauty. This cultivar group of Prunus mume is distinguished by its naturally pendulous growth habit, with branches that gracefully cascade downward, creating an elegant and free-flowing silhouette.
When in full bloom, Chuizhi Mei presents a breathtaking spectacle reminiscent of a floral waterfall, solidifying its status as a premier lineage among plum blossom varieties. The flowers exhibit a diverse palette, ranging from pure white to various shades of pink and red, including deep crimson. Their form varies from shallow bowl-shaped to more flattened, dish-like structures, each blossom releasing a subtle yet enchanting fragrance that perfumes the air.
The flowering period of Chuizhi Mei cultivars typically extends from late February to mid-March, with individual varieties blooming in succession throughout this period. This extended blooming window provides a prolonged display of beauty as winter transitions into spring. Notable varieties within the Chuizhi Mei group include:
Each of these varieties contributes unique characteristics to the Chuizhi Mei group, offering gardeners and landscape designers a range of options for creating stunning winter and early spring displays. The weeping form of these plums makes them particularly suited for use as focal points in gardens, near water features, or in locations where their cascading branches can be fully appreciated.
Cultivation of Chuizhi Mei requires well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and protection from strong winds to maintain their delicate branch structure. Proper pruning is essential to enhance their natural weeping form and encourage abundant flowering. With their combination of graceful habit, diverse flower colors, and early blooming period, Chuizhi Mei varieties continue to captivate and inspire both in traditional East Asian gardens and in contemporary landscape designs worldwide.
Meiren Mei, also known as ‘Beauty Plum’, is a renowned plum blossom cultivar originating from France. It belongs to the group of hybrid plums, specifically a cross between Prunus mume and Prunus cerasifera. This hybridization has resulted in a unique combination of characteristics that make Meiren Mei highly prized among horticulturists and garden enthusiasts.
The floral display of Meiren Mei is particularly striking. It produces an abundance of blossoms, creating a dense, luxuriant appearance. The flowers are distinguished by their longer pedicels, which contribute to the overall graceful presentation. The deep red sepals provide a striking contrast to the delicate pink petals, enhancing the visual appeal of each blossom.
One of the most notable features of Meiren Mei is its genetic inheritance from cherry blossoms (Prunus cerasus), which endows it with superior cold hardiness. This trait allows it to thrive in cooler climates where other plum varieties might struggle. As a result of this cherry blossom lineage, Meiren Mei tends to bloom later in the season compared to many other plum cultivars.
The blooming pattern of Meiren Mei is exceptionally prolific. Typically, each growth center and short branch produces one to two flowers, resulting in a remarkably dense floral display. When observed closely, the flowers bear a charming resemblance to fluttering butterflies, adding a whimsical element to the visual spectacle.
The flowering period of Meiren Mei generally extends from late March to early April, positioning it as one of the latest blooming varieties among plum blossoms. This late-season bloom can be advantageous in garden design, as it extends the overall flowering period in mixed planting schemes and provides visual interest when many early-blooming plants have already finished their display.
In cultivation, Meiren Mei benefits from well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun exposure. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages robust blooming in subsequent seasons. Its cold hardiness makes it suitable for USDA zones 5-9, expanding its potential growing range compared to more tender plum varieties.
The Yudie Mei variety of plum blossoms (Prunus mume ‘Yudie’) is a remarkable cultivar known for its exquisite double or multi-layered white petals and deep purple sepals. These flowers emit a delightful fragrance, adding to their allure in garden settings.
The blooms of Yudie Mei are characteristically saucer-shaped, with a distinctive feature during their development. In the bud stage, the tips may display a subtle light red hue, which transitions to pure white as the flowers fully open. This color transformation adds an intriguing dimension to the visual appeal of the plant throughout its blooming cycle.
Yudie Mei is generally considered a late-blooming variety within the plum blossom family. Its peak flowering period typically occurs from mid-February to early March, making it a prized addition to late winter gardens. Among the Yudie Mei specimens, the most renowned is the white Taige, planted in 1930. This historic tree usually reaches full bloom between late February and early March, serving as a living testament to the longevity and resilience of well-cared-for plum trees.
What sets the Yudie Mei apart as a horticultural gem is its unique flowering pattern, particularly evident when in full bloom. The central “Taige” (inner petals) also flowers, creating a captivating “flower within a flower” effect. This unusual double-blooming characteristic results in a layered appearance, with the inner flower nestled within the outer petals, offering a visually striking and somewhat rare spectacle in the world of ornamental plums.
The Yudie Mei’s combination of multiple petal layers, color-changing buds, late blooming period, and the distinctive inner flower makes it a highly sought-after variety for both private gardens and public landscapes. Its unique attributes not only provide visual interest but also extend the seasonal appeal of plum blossom displays, bridging the gap between winter and early spring in many temperate climates.
Yuye Mei, scientifically known as Prunus mume var. pendula, has been cultivated in China for centuries and is a ubiquitous feature in parks across the country. Also known as Xiaotaohong or Weeping Japanese Apricot, this ornamental tree is prized for its unique combination of features. Its leaves bear a striking resemblance to those of an elm tree, while its flowers echo the delicate beauty of plum blossoms, thus earning it the poetic name Yuye Mei, which translates to “Elm Leaf Plum.”
When strategically planted among evergreen trees or integrated into rockery landscapes, Yuye Mei achieves its optimal visual impact, offering exceptional ornamental value. The tree’s graceful weeping habit creates a stunning contrast against the upright forms of evergreens or the rugged textures of rocks. This juxtaposition enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden design.
Yuye Mei truly shines when paired with other vibrant plantings. During its biannual flowering periods in early spring and again in autumn, the tree bursts into a spectacular display. The blossoms, typically pink or white, appear in profusion along the weeping branches, creating a cascade of color. This flowering pattern is particularly notable, as it provides visual interest in both the awakening of spring and the cooling days of autumn.
The tree’s ornamental value extends beyond its flowering periods. In summer, its elm-like foliage provides a lush green backdrop, while in winter, the bare weeping branches offer an elegant silhouette against the sky or snow. This year-round appeal makes Yuye Mei a versatile and valuable addition to any garden composition.
In the context of a diverse garden planting, Yuye Mei participates in a harmonious competition of beauty with surrounding flora. Its delicate flowers and unique form contribute to a captivating tapestry of shapes, textures, and colors. This interplay of various plant species creates a dynamic and visually engaging landscape that evolves with the seasons.
Given its adaptability, aesthetic qualities, and cultural significance, Yuye Mei stands out as an exceptional choice for garden designers and horticulturists. It not only serves as a focal point in traditional Chinese gardens but also integrates beautifully into contemporary landscape designs, making it a truly versatile and cherished element in horticultural spaces.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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