Plum blossoms (Prunus mume, commonly known as plum blossom, Japanese apricot, or ume) are iconic symbols of resilience and beauty in East Asian culture, blooming bravely in late winter against snow. Among the over 300 cultivars, red-flowered varieties stand out for their vibrant hues, ranging from soft pink to deep crimson. These traditional Chinese red plum blossom cultivars, especially from the Cinnabar (Zhusha) and Pink Double (Gongfen) groups, showcase a stunning gradient of red tones. Here's an organized overview of key varieties, sorted from lighter to deeper shades, optimized for Japanese apricot and ume enthusiasts.

Red Shade Gradient in Classic Plum Blossom (Prunus mume) Cultivars

Light Pink to Rose Pink (Shallow Red)

Nanjing Hong (Nanjing Red): A famous Nanjing native cultivar, internationally registered. Buds are rose red, opening to elegant pink-rose or light purple-pink tones. Disc-shaped flowers, densely packed, with a graceful "dragon tour" branching habit. Iconic at Nanjing's Meihua Mountain – the "World's No.1 Plum Hill."

Medium Pink-Red (Standard Red)

Guli Hong (Bone Red): A classic Zhusha-type with "bone-inside red" wood (purple-red cross-section). Flowers are bright pink-red, often single or semi-double, symbolizing "iron bones and red heart" for its deep inner coloration.

Deep Crimson to Purple-Red (Deep Red)

Zhusha Mei (Cinnabar Plum): True deep red or purple-red petals, single to heavy double, with purple-red calyx and dark red wood. Intense color, fragrant – the "true crimson" of ume varieties.

Very Deep, Almost Black-Red (Ink-Like Deep Red)

Meiyuan Mo (Meiyuan Ink Plum): Extremely dark red, bordering on ink-purple, heavy petals for a dramatic, elegant effect.

Wumei Wuyu Die (Black Plum Black Feather Butterfly, or similar dark variants like Changshu Mo): Near-black red tones, double petals, evoking mystery and depth.

These plum blossom shades create breathtaking landscapes, especially in spring festivals like Nanjing's International Plum Blossom Festival. Lighter varieties like Nanjing Hong offer soft elegance, while deeper Zhusha types provide bold contrast. All thrive in USDA zones 6-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil – perfect for gardens, bonsai, or Japanese apricot orchards.