When does蜡梅 bloom, and what is the difference between蜡梅 and 腊梅?

When Does Wintersweet Bloom

The article introduces the blooming season of wintersweet and the difference between wintersweet and plum blossom in the field of green plants and flowers. Let's follow the editor to learn more!

As the poem goes:

In the severe winter, when all flowers have faded, only wintersweet breaks through and blooms alone in the snow.

Wintersweet blooms in the cold winter month, before the arrival of spring, welcoming the coming of spring and adding joy and auspiciousness to our traditional Chinese New Year. However, do you know wintersweet? Today, let's delve into the flowers of wintersweet and learn some common knowledge about it.

1. Wintersweet is not plum blossom.

People often confuse wintersweet with plum blossom due to its name, thinking it is a type of green plant or flower. However, they are not only different flowers, but also different varieties. Wintersweet belongs to the wintersweet family and genus, while plum blossom belongs to the rose family and plum genus.

Moreover, wintersweet and plum blossom are relatively easy to distinguish. Wintersweet blooms in the twelfth lunar month, with a color mostly of wax yellow and a strong fragrance; while plum blossom blooms slightly later, mostly in January, with bright colors such as white, pink, red, and purple, and a delicate fragrance.

2. Wintersweet Has Many Nicknames.

Wintersweet has many nicknames, with each having its own origin and story.

Wintersweet is also called wax plum. The names are pronounced the same but spelled differently, which also has the meaning of a homophone. Because its flowers bloom in a color similar to amber, it is also called wax plum; it blooms in the twelfth lunar month, also known as the month of winter, and is commonly called wintersweet; in addition, its shape resembles that of plum blossom, and they bloom consecutively, earning it the beautiful name.

Wintersweet is also known as snow plum or flower in the snow. Its blooming days often coincide with falling snow, so to appreciate wintersweet, wait until after the snowfall and visit it in the snow, hence the names snow plum and flower in the snow.

Wintersweet is also called early plum, winter plum, or winter guest. Typically, wintersweet blooms about two months earlier than plum blossom, also visiting during the coldest time of the year, earning the reputation of "winter guest." It is also the first flower to bloom in the new year, heralding the arrival of spring, and is thus given the title of "the messenger of spring." Therefore, it is also called "early plum" or "winter plum."

There are many other nicknames, such as yellow plum, waxwood, waxflower, croton, golden bell plum, yellow plum, dry branch plum, etc., and will not be introduced one by one.

3. Characteristics of Wintersweet's Living Habits.

Firstly, it has a strong vitality and is tenacious.

Wintersweet blooms in the cold winter month, amidst ice and snow, extreme cold, and a white world outdoors, yet it continues to bloom with its fragrance filling the air.

I summarize this as the "four tolerances":

Tolerant to severe cold, drought, shade, and pruning.

Wintersweet can grow in temperatures above -15°C, and its flowers can bloom above -10°C. It can tenaciously grow in conditions of drought, lack of water, and insufficient light, and is suitable for various pruning and beautification, making it more beautiful and dignified.

Secondly, it has vigorous growth.

Wintersweet can endure various harsh environmental tests, standing firm and proudly. However, it also enjoys good living conditions.

I summarize this as the "four preferences":

Prefers sunlight, warmth, fertility, and a windless location.

Wintersweet enjoys warm and gentle weather, plenty of sunlight, and if it receives fertile support, it grows even more vigorously. Especially in winter, it prefers a windless, sunny side, which is conducive to growth.

When Does Wintersweet Bloom

Thirdly, there are things that wintersweet dislikes, which limit its growth.

Although wintersweet is resilient and tenacious, it also has its weaknesses and shortcomings, which we should recognize to better care for it.

I summarize as the "four dislikes":

Dislikes poor soil, waterlogging, low temperatures, and windy areas.

No matter how strong its growth, there are always weaknesses, such as disliking alkaline and sticky soil, fearing excessive waterlogging, and easily freezing at temperatures below 15°C. If exposed to the wind in winter, it can easily cause branches and flowers to be damaged or broken.

4. Wintersweet Has Profound Meanings and Noble Character.

Wintersweet braves the wind and snow, blooming alone in the cold. Its meanings are often used to describe a person's noble character, specifically summarized as follows for reference:

I summarize it into "four categories":

Firstly, it symbolizes people with noble character and virtue.

Secondly, it symbolizes people who are resilient and upright.

Thirdly, it symbolizes people who are proud and not pursuing fame and fortune.

Fourthly, it symbolizes people who are kind, pure, and honest.

As we all know, wintersweet blooms in the cold winter month, facing the cold wind, enduring severe cold, and standing firmly in the icy snow, just like a person with very precious character. It does not bow to the cold, having a noble character and being resilient; it does not lower its head to the cold, being firm and determined; and its fragrance fills the air, being loyal and pure.

The above information about the blooming season of wintersweet and the difference between wintersweet and plum blossom in green plants and flowers may provide help in your life!