Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Dwarf Russian Almond

Description:

A compact and spreading shrub valued for its very showy bright pink flowers in early spring which smother the bare branches followed by sparse but curious fuzzy fruit; some suckering, does best in full sun and well-drained soil

Ornamental Features

Russian Almond is bathed in stunning fragrant pink flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive rose flower buds before the leaves. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The narrow leaves turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Russian Almond is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Russian Almond is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Russian Almond will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.