Prunus triloba Multiplex - Flowering Almond

Prunus triloba 'Multiplex' is one of the only horticultural varieties of the Chinese almond tree offered in cultivation. It is preferred over the type species due to its compact habit and its wonderful blooms of very fresh pink pompoms that evoke tiny antique roses dotted along its still bare branches. This deciduous bush, one of the first to announce the arrival of spring, is easy to grow in ordinary soil but needs to be protected from late frosts that could destroy its buds. Its modest size and appearance work wonders in small gardens, near an entrance or in a low shrub border.

Prunus triloba, also called flowering almond, is a small deciduous bush in the rose family, related to peaches, cherries, and apricots. It is native to northern China. Naturally forming a bush composed of numerous branching stems with a velvety reddish-brown bark, it has a dense and overall rounded habit, which can be maintained by pruning just after flowering. At maturity, it reaches about 1.5 meters (4 inches 11 feets) in height and 1.2 meters (3 inches 11 feets) in spread. Flowering begins in February in mild climates, March-April elsewhere, before the appearance of foliage. Small, very double flowers, solitary or borne in pairs, of a tender and fresh pink colour and measuring 2 to 3 cm (0.8 - 1.2 in) wide, appear along branches that are at least a year old. They are followed by the emergence of small oval leaves, with toothed edges, in a vibrant green colour, darker on the upper side and lighter and downy on the reverse, taking on lovely yellow tones in autumn. Sometimes divided into three small lobes at their tips, they are the origin of the species name triloba. This variety produces very few fruits which are non-edible, small and oval, of a bright red colour.

The 'Multiplex' Chinese almond tree undoubtedly deserves to be planted more in our gardens, especially since it is not demanding in terms of soil and climate. It is one of those shrubs that herald the return of sunny days, like forsythias, Abeliophyllum, Japanese quinces, or Japanese apricot trees (Prunus mume), with which it can be combined in a border or a flowering hedge. In a small garden it can be prominently placed at the corner of a border, surrounded by e.g. violets, early spring bulbs, winter heathers, forget-me-nots, or hellebores. It will astonish near the entrance to the house, accompanied by a Sarcococca or an Irene Patterson Pittosporum and an Escallonia that will take over in summer. Its budding branches can be placed in a vase: cut some when the buds are about to open and they will quickly bloom, about a month before those out in the garden.

Tip: Avoid pruning at the start of the season to fully enjoy the flowers.