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Shrubs - Double Flowering Almond
The Flowering Almond Tree or Shrub (Prunus) provides an unchallenged bloom in spring. The flowers are almost fluorescent and easily identifiable at a distance. They are extremely showy and the trees supply a large cluster of blooms while the shrub is literally clothed in smaller blooms. Double Flowering Almonds are great accent trees and shrubs which may be used as a focal point in a garden.
The Double Flowering Almond Bush (Prunus triloba 'Multiplex') possesses masses of double pink blooms which appear in early May just as the leaves begin to unfold. Another variety is the Dwarf Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa 'Sinensis') which appears with double pink flowers completely covering the upright arching branches in early May.
Prunus thrives in well drained garden soil and attains a height of approximately ten to fifteen feet but may be pruned yearly. The Flowering Almond grows well in full sun or partial sun. The flowers bloom in spring and the foliage is very attractive for the entire season. I would strongly suggest pruning a few times per year as the Flowering Almond bush at the side of my house grows rapidly and the pruning removes dead wood and keeps the shrub looking well manicured.
The leaves are serrated and oval in shape. The Double Flowering Almond is a deciduous shrub which means it sheds all leaves during the winter months. Keep the tree or shrub well fertilized with regular applications as Borers, Scales, Spider Mites and Caterpillars may cause problems. Two years ago I had an episode with a bacterium disease which caused defoliation at the top portion of the shrub. It looked hideous but with regular pruning and fertilizer applications the Double Flowering Almond returned to a healthy state.
There is another use for this magnificent shrub and it is spectacular during the Christmas season. It was decided that some of the deciduous shrubs provide light and I focused on the Rose of Sharon and the Double Flowering Almond. My color scheme is red and green therefore I purchased lights in red and green for the Flowering Almond. The Flowering Almond required so many strands and needed a point of interest during the day so after careful deliberation I purchased little red bows. Last year I had to purchase additional lights as the shrub seemed to get a little taller and wider even though it was pruned.
These pictures are added to the site because the Flowering Almond is almost a landmark in my area. I have people asking about the shrub, how many Christmas lights are on the Flowering Almond, are the bows really attached individually and how were the strings attached as they are so evenly spaced? Several people pose in front of the tree while friends take their picture and I was astounded when I witnessed this occurrence while pulling into my driveway.
There are 400 small bows on the Flowering Almond shrub, approximately 2200 lights, 1100 red lights and 1100 green lights, the shrub looks fabulous at night but it looks like it is sprouting little flowers during the day. It is without doubt the most talked about decoration and yes I spend countless hours preparing this shrub for the Christmas season but it is fun and very exciting as you watch the shrub taking on a brilliant new life. I enjoy Christmas and each year prepare a little site devoted to my decorations, if you get a chance to stop by Please Click Here to View Christmas Decorations 2011 plus links to previous years and the ongoing enhancements.
Should you decide to decorate your Flowering Almond for Christmas purchase lights which contain red and green on the string. The Christmas lights begin at the bottom. Start at the trunk of the shrub to allow plug accessibility. String the lights on the lowest branch and work your way to one side of the shrub. Then vertically wrap from one end to the other keeping in mind that your spacing remain even. When this is accomplished you begin wrapping the Double Almond horizontally from the bottom to the top thereby giving you a grid like pattern. Make certain you begin this exercise with plenty of lights. I started with 1000 and made four additional trips to the store. This shrub is approximately six feet high by eight feet wide and to produce this effect you require 2200 lights (expensive but breathtakingly beautiful). After the lights are positioned you are ready to affix the bows. I make certain the bows are straight and attach them to the lights and branches evenly spaced. As this shrub is not against the house I used an ice scraper to split the grass in order to bury the extension cord approximately three inches into the ground. After the cord is inserted stomp the grass to cover the cord and in short time it will be seamless. The shrub is gorgeous during the day without unsightly cords and in the evening the dazzling effect of the shrub is a real show stopper.
Double Flowering Almond Quick Glance Summary:
Botanical Name: Prunus triloba ''Multiplex'
Common Name: Flowering Almond
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 10 to 15 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Uses: Hedge, Flowering Tree, Accent Specimen
Although the blooms are spent in spring this showy shrub is well worth planting. The Double Flowering Almond s guaranteed to enhance your garden and the overall look of the shrub year round is stately. The Flowering Almond is elegant and such a show stopper when those magnificent blooms begin in spring.
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