Source: Wikimedia Commons
Yae-kanko Japanese apricot
IntermediatePrunus mume 'Yae-kanko'
One of the kanbai ('winter ume') that bloom from early January to early February, bearing deep red double flowers very early. It was the earliest of seven cultivars to flower in a prefectural trial.
About
Yae-kanko is a flowering ume cultivar, an early red ume with deep red double flowers. Early ume that bloom between about 5 January and the start of spring in early February are collectively called kanbai regardless of group, and Yae-kanko is named as a typical example. Chita and Sakai cities list it in the yabai group as double and early (Sakai: very early). In the Fukui Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station's comparison of seven cultivars it flowered first, about two weeks ahead of the standard fruiting cultivar at first bloom and a week ahead at full bloom. It has little pollen, often forms twin fruits, and has a higher share of medium to long shoots. Deep red double flowers and very early bloom identify it; 'Kagoshima-beni', also deep red and double, belongs to the hibai group with red pith and leaf stalks and usually opens later. The similarly named 'Kan-koubai' is a different cultivar, so check the label. Because shoots tend to run long, pinch them in bonsai to build short, flower-bearing twigs. Young plants and potted ume are sold as an early red ume.
Lifespan of the Yae-kanko Japanese apricot
The Yae-kanko Japanese apricot lives Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old.
Size of the Yae-kanko Japanese apricot
The Yae-kanko 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, yabai group)
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 and prune right after flowering. It tends to make long shoots, so pinch them around May to build short flowering twigs (buds form in July–August)
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
Yae-kanko Japanese apricot FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Yae-kanko 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 Yae-kanko Japanese apricot?
The average lifespan of Yae-kanko 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 Yae-kanko Japanese apricot get?
The mature size of Yae-kanko 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 Yae-kanko Japanese apricot?
Yae-kanko 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 Yae-kanko Japanese apricot?
The price of Yae-kanko 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
- Species+ (CITES listing search)
- MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
- Chita City: Ume cultivars around Sori Pond (PDF)
- Fukui Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station: Flowering ume cultivars (PDF)
- Sakai City: Kozen Park ume cultivars (early)
- Uekipedia: Japanese apricot
- Kimi's mini bonsai days: Ume care
- GBIF
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 'Yae-kanko' 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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