Almond trees

As soon as the garden livens up in spring, the abundance of pink double flowers of the Almond tree makes the hearts of many garden owners beat faster. Find out how to properly plant and care for it here.

Jan 18, 2021 08:20 pm
readtime icon 5 Minutes
Growth type
  • Deciduous wood
  • small tree
  • Small shrub
Growth height (from)
from 150 cm to 200 cm
Growth width (from)
from 150 cm to 200 cm
Growth characteristics
  • spherical
  • upright
  • bushy
Flower color
  • pink
Flowering time (month)
  • March to April
Flower shape
  • Uniflorous
  • Shell Flowers
Flower characteristics
  • tightly filled
  • hermaphroditic
Leaf color
  • green
page format
  • broad elliptical
Sheet properties
  • Autumn coloring
  • Drift coloration
Light
  • sunny
Soil type
  • sandy to loamy
Soil Moisture
  • fresh to moderately humid
ph value
  • alkaline to weakly acidic
Lime compatibility
  • lime-loving
Nutrient requirements
  • nutrient-rich
Humus
  • rich in humus
Decorative or utility value
  • Flower Decoration
Toxicity
  • non-toxic
Winter Hardness
  • hardy
Climate zones according to USDA
  • 5
Use
  • Flowerbeds
  • Single position
  • Group planting
  • high-stem
  • Planters
Garden style
  • Flower garden
  • Roof Garden
  • Mediterranean garden
  • Stone Garden
  • Pot garden
Origin

The deciduous Almond tree (Prunus triloba) from the rose family (Rosaceae) is native to China.

Growth

The Almond tree grows as a small, deciduous, bushy ornamental shrub. It can reach a height and width between 4.9 and 6.56 feet. The Almond tree is also very popular as a tall-stemmed tree.

Leaves

The dark green leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. They are broadly elliptical in shape and have a serrated edge. The leaf color changes to anywhere between yellow to orange in autumn.

blossoms

The pink and rosette-shaped double flowers resemble rose blossoms. They are 1.18 to 1.96 inches tall and bloom profusely on the annual branches from March.

blooming Almond shrub
Almond trees appear exceptionally graceful with their delicate, pink-colored flowers
Fruit

Rarely does an Almond tree grow small stone fruits. Birds like to eat them.

Location

Give the warmth-loving Almond tree a sunny and sheltered spot in the garden.

soil

The Almond tree tolerates any normal garden soil, but prefers fresh to moderately moist, sandy-loamy soil. In the long run, it does not tolerate drought and waterlogging.

Planting

In general, Almond trees are planted very early in the spring before they sprout. Nurseries offer Almond trees as bushes or a standard tree, mostly as container plants. The best time to plant is early spring. An Almond tree grows well when the planting hole is about twice the size of the root ball. It is good for the almond tree if you mix a third of the compost with the excavated soil. After the planting, the planting hole should be completely filled with the excavated material. Sludging in and a light treading of the earth helps with growth.

Care

Feed your Almond tree with an organic fertilizer in spring. In the container you should water it regularly, because it does not tolerate longer dry periods. When late frost threatens in spring, it is sufficient to cover the flowers with a permeable fleece.

Pruning standard Almond trees
For the crown to keep its beautiful shape, the Almond tree (grown here as a standard tree) has to be pruned back significantly every year after flowering
Pruning

For an Almond tree to grow vigorously, robust pruning is required. Shorten the shoots to 3.93 to 3.14 inches immediately after flowering each year. Thin branches are completely removed. Positive side effect: This also prevents brown rot. Old crowns are rejuvenated by a heavy pruning.

Winter protection

Frosts cannot harm a planted Almond tree. As a potted plant, wrap the shoots with a permeable fleece during the cold season and cover the root area with a coconut mat or fir branches. Alternatively, you can place the container in a frost-free and bright place in the winter months.

Almond tree branches with flowers
The Almond tree likes it warm. Its flowers in particular, which open very early in the year, do not tolerate late frosts
Where to plant

To admire the romantic early bloom extensively, it is best to plant an Almond tree within the eyeshot of the house. As a small stand-alone tree, it enhances every front yard. It also enhances a flower bed if planted along with onion flowers and perennials. The tree grows well even in a 40 liter container on the terrace - if it is watered regularly. In addition, the cut branches of the almond tree look excellent in vases. A popular custom is to cut them at the beginning of December as barbara branches.

Propagation

Only grafted Almond trees are sold in the nurseries. It is therefore not worthwhile to propagate the wood yourself using cuttings.

Diseases and Pests

Almond trees are prone to Monilia infection also known as brown rot. The tips of the shoots die off as a result of the infection. The disease usually occurs immediately after flowering. Annual pruning can prevent this fungal infection.