Troubleshooting
Japanese Apricot problems — and how to fix them
Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Sparse flowering
Pruning at the wrong time or too little sun removes flower buds, which form on old wood; prune immediately after bloom and site in full sun.
Aphids on new growth
Prunus is highly aphid-prone in spring; rinse or treat with insecticidal soap before honeydew and sooty mould develop.
Fungal leaf and shoot diseases
Leaf spot, blossom blight and silver leaf can affect ume; prune cleanly with disinfected tools and remove infected material promptly.
Winter bud loss
Without an adequate cold rest or with desiccating frost on buds, flowering is poor; give a proper dormancy and shelter swelling buds from hard freezes.
Prevent japanese apricot problems before they start
Most japanese apricot issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for japanese apricot in general rather than its problems? Read the full japanese apricot care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Japanese Apricot problems — FAQ
Why is my japanese apricot sparse flowering?
Pruning at the wrong time or too little sun removes flower buds, which form on old wood; prune immediately after bloom and site in full sun.
Why is my japanese apricot aphids on new growth?
Prunus is highly aphid-prone in spring; rinse or treat with insecticidal soap before honeydew and sooty mould develop.
Why is my japanese apricot fungal leaf and shoot diseases?
Leaf spot, blossom blight and silver leaf can affect ume; prune cleanly with disinfected tools and remove infected material promptly.
Why is my japanese apricot winter bud loss?
Without an adequate cold rest or with desiccating frost on buds, flowering is poor; give a proper dormancy and shelter swelling buds from hard freezes.