Beni-chidori Japanese apricot

Beni-chidori Japanese apricot key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old

Size

Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot

Watering

Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer)

Light & placement

Needs plenty of sun from spring to set flower buds. Keep in a sunny, airy spot, with shade cloth in summer as leaves scorch easily

Watering

Naturally thirsty and dries fast while in leaf: 1–2 times daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter, soaking once the surface dries

Temperature & overwintering

Dormant in winter. Protect under the bench or in a cold frame so frozen soil and late frosts do not damage the roots

Soil & repotting

Mostly akadama with about 20% free-draining grit. Repot around February before budbreak, together with post-flowering pruning: every 1–2 years, 2–3 for old trees

Fertilizer

A heavy feeder: small regular feeds March–June after flowering, stop in summer while buds form, then feed well Sept–Nov. Use a phosphorus-rich flowering/fruiting fertilizer

Pruning & styling

Remove spent flowers at 50–70% bloom to save the tree's strength, and prune right after flowering. Buds form in July–August, so in May pinch new shoots on mature trees at 4–6 nodes

Pests & cautions

Watch for aphids, spider mites, scale, clearwing moth borers (oozing sap), powdery mildew and scab. Flowering ume are prone to bacterial canker, so avoid strong wind. Has no pollen and in some years sets no fruit

About Beni-chidori Japanese apricot

Beni-chidori is a deep crimson, single-petaled flowering apricot with petal-like stamens resembling plovers in flight. A later-blooming variety suited to bonsai training by intermediate growers.

7 things to know before growing Beni-chidori Japanese apricot

1. 1Placement & Light

   Flowering apricots do best outdoors in full sun with good air circulation. Shield the plant from harsh summer afternoon sun, and choose a spot where the pot won't freeze solid in winter.

2. 2When to Water

   Water thoroughly whenever the soil surface dries out, until it runs from the drainage holes. Keep a closer eye on moisture as flower buds swell and during the blooming period, since the soil dries faster then.

3. 3Choosing Soil

   Beni-chidori prefers a well-draining, airy soil mix. A bonsai blend based on akadama (baked clay granules) with some leaf mold is a good starting point.

4. 4Repotting Schedule

   Repot around February, before the buds break, together with the post-bloom pruning. Aim for once every one to two years (every two to three years for old trees), using a mix based on akadama with about 20 percent free-draining sand.

5. 5Pruning & Training

   Flower buds form on the previous year's growth, so pruning at the wrong time or place can reduce next year's blooms. Shape the tree with pruning right after the flowers finish.

6. 6Bloom Timing & Seasonal Care

   Beni-chidori blooms later than many other flowering apricot varieties. Exposing it to proper winter cold helps the flower buds develop, so you can enjoy its blooms even after other ume have finished.

7. 7Choosing a Plant & Skill Level

   Beni-chidori is generally considered suited to growers with some intermediate experience. Having a feel for basic pruning and watering before you start will help you enjoy shaping the tree over the years.

Frequently asked questions about Beni-chidori Japanese apricot

Q.What kind of flowers does Beni-chidori produce?

A.It has deep crimson, single-petaled flowers whose stamens transform into petal-like structures. This layered look is said to resemble chidori (plovers) in flight, which inspired the name.

Q.Is Beni-chidori suitable for beginners?

A.Beni-chidori is generally considered an intermediate-level variety. It's best to have some basic bonsai watering and pruning experience before taking it on.

Q.Does Beni-chidori produce fruit?

A.Trial-garden surveys found that this variety carries no pollen. Because of that, it's best appreciated for its flowers rather than for fruit set.

Q.How long can a Beni-chidori bonsai be kept?

A.With ongoing care such as regular repotting and pruning, it can be grown for many years. Watching the tree's form mature over time is one of the pleasures of ume bonsai.

Q.How is Beni-chidori different from other flowering apricots?

A.It blooms later than many other ume varieties, so it can still be in flower after others have finished. Its stamens transforming into petal-like structures also give it a distinctive look.

Handy Growing Tools for Beni-chidori Japanese apricot

Learn more about Beni-chidori Japanese apricot in the encyclopedia

More in this category