We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Chinese Plum?

By O. Parker
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 22,808
References
Share

The Chinese plum is a tree grown both for its ornamental value and as a fruit tree. The tree is mid-size and blooms early in the season. The fruit, used both as food and as medicine, is related to apples, peaches and other members of the Rosaceae family. The chinese plum is also known by its species name Prunus mume and by other common names, including Japanese apricot and mei flower.

As an ornamental, the Chinese plum is selected for its moderate size, showy flowers and early bloom time. The tree grows 10 to 20 feet (about 3 to 6 m) tall. It is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves in the fall. In late winter and early spring, before the first leaves emerge, flower buds form on the branches. The fragrant flowers bloom in shades of pink, white and red, depending on the cultivar.

The flowers are replaced with abundant green foliage in spring and summer. These plum trees grow at a rapid rate and form a neat, rounded shape. This ornamental commonly is used as a specimen shrub and is ideal for small gardens. It is also well suited for planting along sidewalks and roadways. Chinese plum trees are hardy in areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below -10 to 0°F (about -23 to -17°C).

Chinese plum trees grow best in full sun or part shade. Full sun is six or more hours a day and part shade is considered four to six hours a day. Like other fruit trees in the Rosaceae family, the early flowers can be damaged by late frosts. It is best to plant the trees on level ground or on a slight rise. Frost collects in low areas and can damage the flowers, which prevents the tree from bearing fruit in that year.

The trees are propagated from seed or by rooted cuttings. Seeds require a three-month stratification period in order to germinate. When growing specific cultivars, seed propagation is not desirable, as these plum trees do not grow true to seed; trees grown from soft wood cuttings will be identical clones of the parent plants. Some popular cultivars include the rose-colored Bonita, crimson-colored Benishidare, white-blooming Alba, and the delicate pink Dawn.

Chinese plum fruits are 1 to 3 inches (about 2.54 to 7.62 cm) in diameter with a soft yellow skin. In Japan, the fruit traditionally is pickled and salted. Prepared in this manner it is called umeboshi plum and is commonly found in Oriental markets and natural food stores. Umeboshi plums are considered a natural antibiotic, are high in antioxidants and are believed to help with digestion.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By turquoise — On Jan 24, 2015

We don't eat a lot of Chinese plum in our house. As far as I can remember, my mom uses it when she makes spiced duck. It's a very nice meal. The duck cooks for a long time in a slow cooker, usually overnight. She puts plum sauce, soy sauce and lots and lots of spices in it. This is also my dad's favorite. My mom makes it for dinner on his birthday every year.

I'm not a big fan of plums, but I like this dish too. The plum sauce adds a nice sweet and sour flavor to the duck.

By literally45 — On Jan 24, 2015

@burcinc-- Have you tried Chinese plum sauce?

I first purchased it from an Asian store ready-made. I loved it so much that I make it myself now from fresh Chinese plums when they're available. It's actually very easy, I just boil them very slowly and add any spices or other ingredients I want. I make mine sweet and use it as a sauce for spring rolls or egg rolls. They also make a great marinade for sweet and sour chicken.

I'm not an expert on Chinese cuisine but I'm learning more and more. I know that there are many other excellent Chinese fruits and recipes out there. I like trying different things. It's thanks to my curiosity that I discovered Chinese plum sauce.

By burcinc — On Jan 23, 2015

Chinese plums are just fine fresh but I do prefer them as preservatives or candy. There is a great Chinese candy made of preserved plum. It's chewy, a little sweet and a little salty and tastes like plums. This candy is addictive. We used to eat them when we were kids and I still eat them now. And they're probably one of the healthiest candies out there.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-chinese-plum.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.