PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal fruit production; tolerates partial shade but will produce fewer fruits
Watering
Water deeply to moisten the root zone; allow the top 5–7 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings
Temperature
Hardy to -18°C; prefers temperate climates and requires winter chill hours for fruiting
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, serrated edges, bright green foliage turning yellow in autumn
- Flower: Clustered five-petaled white blossoms emerging before leaf growth
- Fruit: Round, reddish-purple skin with sweet yellow aromatic flesh
- Stem: Slender brown branches with dormant buds during winter dormancy
Care Guide
Watering
Increase watering during fruit development to maintain consistent soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer before bud break. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive vegetative growth that reduces fruiting
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the root zone and water thoroughly to incorporate into soilPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thin fruiting spurs to improve air circulation and increase individual fruit size
- Shape to an open center structure to maximize light penetration for fruiting
- Remove rootstock suckers regularly to maintain tree vigor and fruit quality
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Leaves, seeds, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion may cause mild to moderate poisoning
Humans: Only seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides; ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible fruit production, ornamental spring blossom display
