How to Grow Dwarf Flowering Almond

The dwarf flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that can boast single or double blooms. The pink or white flowers appear in profusion in April on graceful stems that soon are decked with green, oblong leaves. Follow these tips to add this springtime sprite to your garden.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dwarf Flowering Almond
• Shovel
• Knife or garden shears
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Select a planting site that has full to partial shade. Flowering almond prefer moist, well-drained soil that contains plentiful organic matter. Add compost or commercial planting soil to the site if necessary. Good drainage is needed to grow this shrub.

2. Prepare the tree for planting. Flowering almond shrubs can be found balled-and-burlapped or, more commonly, containerized at nurseries and garden centers. Cut all twine and wire from the branches and rootball. Burlap should be trimmed to half the height of the rootball. If planting is delayed after purchase, keep the shrub watered.

3. Dig the planting hole. The planting hole should be dug 2 to 3 times the width of the shrub's rootball and equal in depth. When planted, the top of the rootball should be even with the surrounding ground.

4. Position the tree in the planting hole. Secure the flowering almond in the hole by adding a small portion of the original soil around the base of the rootball. Water in the shrub by filling the planting hole with water and allow the rootball and surrounding soil to absorb it. Backfill the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.

5. Dress the planting site. Mulching or "dressing" the site helps to minimize maintenance and gives a professional touch to the garden. Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around the flowering almond and planting area. The mulch should be maintained to prevent the loss of moisture, keep the roots cool and prevent weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune the flowering almond immediately after it finishes blooming. Pruning will encourage more blooms in the next year. Flowering almond also suckers profusely. These should be removed if you're pruning the shrub for shape. In a naturalized setting, the suckers may be allowed to grow.

• The dwarf flowering almond grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet at maturity and has a 3- to 4-foot spread. It is a good shrub for naturalized areas and borders. It is not usually selected as a specimen plant because it lacks fall color and fades into the summer garden.

• The dwarf flowering almond can be successfully grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

• Unfortunately, the flowering almond has a comparatively short lifespan of about 10 years. It is susceptible to a number of insect pests and diseases such as fireblight, borers, Japanese beetles and leaf spot.