Source: Wikimedia Commons
Beni-chidori Japanese apricot
IntermediatePrunus mume 'Beni-chidori'
A flowering ume with deep red single flowers in which some stamens have turned petal-like, said to look like plovers (chidori) in flight. It blooms late among flowering ume and had no pollen in a prefectural trial.
About
Beni-chidori is a flowering ume cultivar with deep red single flowers. According to Chita City's cultivar list, some stamens have become petal-like, and these are said to look like plovers (chidori) flying inside the flower—hence the name. That flower centre is the identifier: instead of an even ring of stamens, small petal-like pieces are mixed in. In the Fukui Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station's comparison of seven cultivars, Beni-chidori was the latest to bloom, 1–2 weeks after the standard fruiting cultivar, and the only one without pollen; in some years it set no fruit. Its lateness can extend the season when grown with early cultivars such as 'Yae-kanko' or 'Toji'. One guide places it in the hibai group. Among deep red ume, 'Kagoshima-beni' is double and 'Yae-kanko' is double and early, so single flowers, the unusual centre and the late season set it apart. It is sold by nurseries and bonsai shops as a flowering ume.
Lifespan of the Beni-chidori Japanese apricot
The Beni-chidori Japanese apricot lives Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old.
Size of the Beni-chidori Japanese apricot
The Beni-chidori Japanese apricot grows to Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (flowering ume cultivar)
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
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer)
Growing Tips
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
Beni-chidori Japanese apricot FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Beni-chidori Japanese apricot?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the lifespan of Beni-chidori Japanese apricot?
The average lifespan of Beni-chidori Japanese apricot is Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Beni-chidori Japanese apricot get?
The mature size of Beni-chidori Japanese apricot is Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Beni-chidori Japanese apricot?
Beni-chidori Japanese apricot: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Beni-chidori Japanese apricot?
The price of Beni-chidori Japanese apricot varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no ume entry for 'Beni-chidori' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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