The flowering almond, also known as Prunus triloba, is a lovely deciduous shrub that can add beauty to any garden or landscape. One of the interesting characteristics of this shrub is its ability to spread, thanks to its wide suckering crown and numerous slender branches.
In my personal experience with flowering almonds, I have observed that they can grow up to three feet tall and spread as wide as four feet. This means that they have a relatively compact growth habit, making them suitable for small to medium-sized gardens. However, it’s important to note that their spread can vary depending on factors such as soil conditions, sunlight exposure, and pruning practices.
The slender, wand-like branches of the flowering almond are quite unique and give the shrub an elegant appearance. When these branches arise from the wide suckering crown, they create a dense and bushy growth pattern. This growth habit not only adds visual interest to the landscape but also provides a sense of fullness and volume to the shrub.
While the spreading nature of the flowering almond can be advantageous in terms of filling out space in the garden, it is important to consider its potential for overgrowth. If not properly maintained, the shrub can become unruly and take up more space than intended. Regular pruning is, therefore, essential to keep it in check and maintain its desired size and shape.
When it comes to the spread of the flowering almond, it’s worth mentioning that the shrub can also produce suckers. Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base of the shrub or its roots and can lead to even more spreading. These suckers can be removed to prevent the shrub from spreading too far or encroaching on other plants in the vicinity.
The flowering almond is a deciduous shrub with a spreading growth habit. It can grow up to three feet tall and spread four feet wide, with slender, wand-like branches arising from a wide suckering crown. While its spreading nature can be advantageous for filling out space in the garden, regular pruning and removal of suckers are necessary to maintain its desired size and shape.
