Weeping Plum Trees: Types, Growth, and Cultivation

The Weeping Plum (Prunus mume var. pendula) belongs to the Rosaceae family, genus Prunus, distinguished by its naturally drooping or arching branches. This ornamental tree is primarily found in the Yangtze River basin and regions to the south. Its elegantly cascading branches adorned with blossoms create a waterfall-like effect, making it one of the most prized varieties of plum blossoms.

Flowering occurs from late February to mid-March, with blooms in white, pink, red, and deep red hues. Notable cultivars include ‘Remnant Snow’, ‘Single Jade’, ‘Double Jade’, ‘Bony Red’, ‘Brocade Red’, and ‘Pink Skin’.

Common Types

Weeping Plum varieties are primarily categorized as follows:

• River Plum (Heping): Features light purple-brown wood, single-petaled white or pink flowers, and crimson calyxes. This is considered the original true weeping plum.
• Pink Flower (Fenhau): Characterized by greenish-white wood, red and pink flowers with single, double, or triple petals, and crimson calyxes. Cultivars include ‘Single Pink’, ‘Single Red’, ‘Pink Skin’, ‘Han Pink’, and ‘Wu Clothing’.
• Five Treasures (Wubao): Similar to Pink Flower in appearance, with the ‘Jumping Snow’ cultivar being the primary variety.
• Remnant Snow (Yuxue): Exhibits light purple-brown wood, double-petaled white flowers, and crimson calyxes. Main cultivars are ‘Remnant Snow’ and ‘Han Snow’.
• White Jade (Baiyu): Displays green or gray-green wood, single or double-petaled white flowers, and green calyxes. Primary cultivars are ‘Single Jade’ and ‘Double Jade’.
• Bony Red (Guhua): Features light purple-brown wood, single to triple-petaled red or purple-red flowers, and crimson calyxes. Main cultivars include ‘Bony Red’, ‘Brocade Red’, and ‘Brocade Life’.

Growth and Distribution

Weeping Plums are heliophilic trees that thrive in warm climates. They exhibit moderate drought tolerance but are sensitive to waterlogging. These long-lived trees are predominantly found in the Yangtze River basin and areas to the south.

Morphology and Characteristics

Weeping Plum trees are small in stature with naturally pendulous or slanting branches. Key features include:

• Bark: Light gray or greenish
• Twigs: Green, smooth, and glabrous
• Leaves: Ovate or elliptical, finely serrated, gray-green with short pubescence when young
• Flowers: Solitary, fragrant, with reddish-brown sepals and obovate petals ranging from white to pink
• Fruit: Nearly spherical, yellow or greenish-white, pubescent, and sour in taste

Flowering occurs in winter and spring, with fruiting from May to June.

Cultivation Method

Tree Shape Selection

The natural weeping habit of these trees lends itself to an umbrella-shaped form. When grafting high-stemmed weeping plums, utilize the original tree structure to quickly establish the crown.

Pruning Techniques

1. Trunk formation:

• Graft when rootstock diameter reaches 3 cm (typically 2-3 years)
• Graft height: 80-120 cm above ground
• Remove shoots below the graft union
• Select main branches at 30-40 cm intervals along the trunk
• In the following dormant season, cut the first layer of branches to 20-30 cm, retaining 3-4 strong buds

1. Mature tree pruning:

• During dormancy, remove dead, diseased, parallel, and inward-growing branches
• Shorten side branches and prune buds to expand the crown
• Remove dense or upright shoots in spring
• Gradually raise low main branches using upright growth
• Correct curved main branches with bamboo poles or ropes
• Ensure main branches are well-spaced and at appropriate angles to the trunk

1. Small side branch pruning:

• Remove lower branches, retaining upper ones
• Eliminate buds on the drooping sections
• Shorten overgrown side branches
• When pruning, select upper buds or those that fill crown gaps

For large fruit plums being converted to weeping plums through high grafting, utilize the existing skeleton. Stimulate branch growth from dormant buds if necessary, grafting once branches thicken.

Main Value

Ornamental

Weeping Plums are prized for their thin, gracefully drooping branches that create a soft, floating aesthetic. They pair particularly well with water features in landscape design.

Economic

The flowers can be used for essence extraction. These trees also demonstrate resistance to nematodes and serve as suitable rootstock for other stone fruit trees.

Cultural Significance

Gifting a Weeping Plum tree symbolizes nobility, loyalty, and perseverance in many cultures.