Discover expert tips for growing Double-Petaled Jumping Branch Plum Blossoms

Double-petaled Jumping Branch Plum produces dense blooms and is a non-grafted, bicolor plum blossom. Its flowering period lasts from early January to mid-March, with flower diameters ranging between 2.1–3.1 cm. The flower buds are either milky white or peach-red, and the blossoms take on a butterfly-like form with loosely layered petals. The primary color on both sides of the petals is white, though some may display pink on the front, half pink and half white, or white with pink streaks. Each flower typically has 12–22 petals. In exceptional cases, a single branch may even bear blossoms of two different colors, filling the garden with fragrance. This variety is considered an excellent type of plum blossom.

1. Watering: Plum trees prefer consistent moisture but are susceptible to waterlogging. Adjust watering frequency and amount accordingly. During winter and early spring—the flowering period—keep the potting soil slightly moist. After the flowers have fully dropped, water thoroughly once. Avoid watering again until the soil is dry, and regularly spray the branches, leaves, and surrounding ground in the evening. During the rainy season, strictly control watering: wait until the edges of older leaves curl slightly and young shoots show slight wilting before watering. Repeat this process several times to inhibit new shoot growth, which aids flower bud differentiation. In the heat of summer, ensure drainage on rainy days to prevent waterlogging. On sunny days, water once in the morning; if the soil is dry by evening, water again to prevent excessive dryness and leaf drop. After September, gradually reduce watering frequency to once every 1–2 days in the afternoon. By October, when flower buds begin to develop into flower buds and leaves have fallen, water requirements decrease—only water when the soil is dry, keeping the potting soil slightly dry to moderately moist.

2. Light and Temperature: Plum trees are sun-loving plants and should be placed in a well-lit, well-ventilated location, but protected from strong drafts. They thrive in warmth but are cold-hardy. Winter requires exposure to low temperatures to ensure abundant blooms and foliage. In regions where the minimum temperature stays above -12°C, the plant can overwinter outdoors in a sheltered, sunny spot. To encourage blooming around the Chinese New Year, move the plant indoors 20 days before the festival to a cool location (5–10°C) near a south- or west-facing window for ample sunlight. After flowering, move it to a place with temperatures of 0–5°C to extend the blooming period to about a month; higher temperatures can cause premature wilting.
   
   

3. Potting and Soil: For container planting, choose pots with good permeability, such as terracotta or clay pots; purple clay pots are also suitable. Place a layer of crushed charcoal or hard plastic foam at the bottom. The ideal soil is a fertile, slightly sticky mix—aging mountain soil, pond sludge, and garden topsoil can be blended as a growing medium. During planting, add bone meal or NPK compound fertilizer as a base fertilizer. Plant shallowly, avoiding exposed roots, as deep planting may inhibit flowering. After planting, place in partial shade, water thoroughly once, and resume normal care after 10 days. Repot and refresh the soil every 2–3 years after flowering.

4. Fertilization: Plum trees appreciate fertilizer but also tolerate poor soil. Avoid fertilizing during the blooming period. After flowering, apply an NPK compound fertilizer once to support recovery. When new shoots reach 3–5 cm, skip fertilizing if growth is vigorous; if growth is weak, apply NPK compound fertilizer once. Stop fertilizing once new shoots reach about 18 cm. In late June and early July, spray a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once each time to promote flower bud differentiation. In late autumn, after leaf fall and when flower buds appear, apply NPK compound fertilizer or a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once to support bud development and blooming.
   
   

5. Pruning: Plum trees have strong budding and branching abilities and tolerate pruning well, making even older trees easy to rejuvenate. After flowering, shorten the branches that have bloomed, retaining only 2–3 base buds. Remove all weak, diseased, or dead branches. Of any crossing or overlapping branches, prune one away, and thin out densely packed areas. When new shoots reach 20 cm, pinch the tips to control growth and direct nutrients toward flower bud differentiation—excessively long shoots tend to produce fewer flowers. Pruning not only improves the plant’s shape but also enhances air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

6. Pest and Disease Control: In late June, during periods of high temperature and drought, plum trees may develop anthracnose. In July, high temperatures and humidity with poor ventilation can lead to powdery mildew. Ensuring good ventilation and light exposure helps prevent both diseases. If infected leaves or branches are found, prune and burn them, and treat with托布津 (Topsin) or多菌灵 (Carbendazim). The main pest affecting plum trees is aphids, which can be controlled by spraying with 1500x diluted 80% dichlorvos emulsion or applying呋喃丹 (Furadan) to the soil for systemic elimination. Note that plum trees are sensitive to phosphorus-containing pesticides and such products should be avoided. They are also vulnerable to toxic gases like sulfur dioxide and may grow poorly or even die in areas with severe air pollution.