A Guide to 11 Different Varieties of Plum Blossom (Prunus mume)
In Chinese culture, plum blossoms symbolize resilience and the arrival of spring, often regarded as a bearer of good fortune. As the ancient poem says, “From afar I know it’s not snow—for a faint fragrance comes.” Today, CYMUS horticulturists are excited to share with you the beauty and charm of various plum blossom varieties.
1. Jiang Mei (江梅) – Simple-Flowered Plum
Jiang Mei is one of the more primitive varieties, traditionally grown for fruit. It blooms relatively early, from early February to early March. The flowers are single-petaled (usually 5–8 petals), mostly white but sometimes pink or red, with a light fragrance and deep red calyxes.
2. Zhu Sha Mei (朱砂梅) – Cinnabar Plum
Zhu Sha Mei produces single, semi-double, or double blooms in rich purplish-red. Its wood has a distinct dark red tone, earning it the poetic name “Iron Bone with Red Heart.”
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Xi Zhi Zhu Sha: A key variety at Lingfeng Plum Garden, valued not only for its flowers but also for its elegantly twisted branches.
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Fen Hong Zhu Sha: An early-blooming red plum that signals the start of the plum blossom season.
3. Gong Fen Mei (宫粉梅) – Palace Pink Plum
Gong Fen Mei features semi-double or double flowers in a range of soft to deep pink tones. Some rare types, known as Tai Ge, form a layered “tower” of blossoms. Its fragrance is delicate and sweet.
4. Yu Die Mei (玉蝶梅) – Jade Butterfly Plum
This variety has white, butterfly-like flowers that can be semi-double (around 10 petals) or double (15+ petals). The calyx is pale green or reddish.
5. Lü E Mei (绿萼梅) – Green Calyx Plum
Lü E Mei is a highly prized variety with green calyxes, green twigs, and young leaves. Its soft green-tinted blossoms offer a rare and elegant beauty.
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Jin Qian Lü E: A particularly valuable type that can produce up to 70–80 petals per flower.
6. Huang Xiang Mei (黄香梅) – Yellow Fragrance Plum
Huang Xiang Mei is a rare variety with single or semi-double pale yellow blossoms and a strong, sweet scent.
7. Tiao Jin Mei (跳金/洒金梅) – Confetti or Variegated Plum
Also called “Jumping Branch Plum,” this type produces mixed red and white blooms—sometimes on different branches, sometimes on the same branch, or even on the same flower. The calyx is usually dark red.
8. Long You Mei (龙游梅) – Dragon Roaming Plum
This variety is classified by its unique natural branching pattern—twisting and curving freely like a wandering dragon, offering a distinct wild beauty.
9. Chui Zhi Mei (垂枝梅) – Weeping Plum
Chui Zhi Mei is defined by its gracefully drooping branches, creating a soft and flowing appearance.
10. Xing Mei (杏梅) – Apricot-Meido Plum Hybrid
A cross between plum and apricot, Xing Mei blooms between traditional plum and apricot seasons and lacks the classic plum fragrance.
11. Mei Ren Mei (美人梅) – Beauty Plum (Prunus × blireana)
Also known as Cherry Plum, Mei Ren Mei is another hybrid that blooms between plum and cherry periods. Its flowering often overlaps with peach blossoms and other spring flowers.
We hope this guide helps you appreciate the diverse and enchanting world of plum blossoms. Each variety carries its own story and beauty, reflecting the elegance of nature and Chinese horticultural tradition.