What season do plum blossoms generally bloom in?
If you want to know in what season plum blossoms generally bloom, as well as the symbolism and meaning of plum flowers in relation to flower cultivation topics, the following is an introduction for you.
Plum blossoms are also known as sour plum, huangzi, hehanmei, white plum blossom, green calyx plum, etc., and have been cultivated in China for more than 3,000 years. There are many varieties for both ornamental and fruit tree purposes. Many types are not only cultivated outdoors for admiration but can also be grown as potted plants, possessing significant ornamental and medicinal value. Let's take a look at when plum blossoms bloom together!
When do plum blossoms bloom?
Plum blossoms often bloom first in early spring, from January to February, before the leaves sprout. However, the blooming time varies depending on the climate in different regions. In the southwest of China, they bloom from December to January of the following year, in the central region from February to March, and in the north from March to April. The initial blooming to full bloom takes 4 to 7 days, and from full bloom to the end of blooming takes 15 to 20 days. The flowers are usually solitary or sometimes two blooms from one bud, with a diameter of 2 to 2.5 centimeters, a strong fragrance, a pedicel length of about 1 to 3 millimeters, and petals that are white to pink and obovate.
Growth habits of plum blossoms
Plum blossoms prefer a warm climate and do not have strong cold resistance. Apart from the Xingmei series of varieties that can withstand -25℃ low temperatures, they generally endure -10℃ low temperatures, are somewhat drought-resistant, do not tolerate flooding, and have a long lifespan, reaching up to a thousand years. The blooming period is particularly sensitive to climate changes, prefers higher humidity in the air, but dislikes heavy rain. They can tolerate high temperatures and grow even at 40℃, and develop best in areas with an average annual temperature of 16 to 23℃. They are very sensitive to temperature, blooming when the average temperature in early spring reaches -5 to 7℃, and if encountering low temperatures, the blooming period is postponed. If it is cold during blooming, the flowering period can be extended. During the growing period, they should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated area. If in a shaded environment with insufficient light, the growth will be weak, and flowering will be scarce.
The legend of the symbolism of plum blossoms
The symbolism of plum blossoms is strength, resilience, and elegance. The symbolism of red plum blossoms is steadfastness, defying frost and snow, and being enchantingly beautiful. The symbolism of white plum blossoms is purity and steadfastness. The symbolism of蜡梅 (wax plum) blossoms is purity, resilience, silently contributing, and selflessly devoting. There is also a poignant and beautiful legend about the symbolism of plum blossoms.
The legend goes that many years ago, in a peaceful village, there was a pair of martial arts training师兄妹 (apprentice-sister and master-brother) who were deeply in love. One day, a demon appeared out of nowhere, causing chaos and disrupting the peaceful lives of the villagers. The pair decided to save the villagers and set out to fight the demon with their swords. After several days of fierce battle, they were about to win when the master-brother began to feel his energy waning. At that moment, the demon struck at the master-brother with his sword. Seeing the danger, the apprentice-sister rushed forward to block the sword, which deeply pierced her chest. The master-brother was shocked and, in a fit of rage, struck the demon with several consecutive sword thrusts.
Finally, the demon was killed, and the master-brother embraced the already pale apprentice-sister, calling out to her in a loud voice. However, due to excessive bleeding, the apprentice-sister was near death. She gave the master-brother a faint smile and said, "You are very brave, I love you, forever!" Then she closed her beautiful eyes. The master-brother was overcome with grief, when suddenly a miracle occurred. Snowflakes fell from the sky, and the apprentice-sister in his arms slowly vanished, leaving behind a sapling in front of the master-brother.
The master-brother knew that the sapling was a transformation of the apprentice-sister and could not help but feel sad as he caressed the sapling. His tears fell on the sapling, which quickly grew into a large tree. This tree had no leaves but was covered with white blossoms, exuding a faint fragrance that filled the air for miles. This was the plum blossom. The master-brother could not bear to part with the apprentice-sister and built a small house next to the plum blossoms. He recited poetry and practiced martial arts in front of it every day until the day he died. He leaned against the white plum blossom, talking about his love that he could never finish, and after his death, he also turned into a plum blossom, with the flowers a bright red, representing his passionate love.
The sharing above about when plum blossoms generally bloom and the detailed introduction of the symbolism and meaning of plum blossoms hope to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.