Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Osteomeles schweriniae or Chinese Emperor Plum

The genus Osteomeles, family Rosaceae, comprises 20 species of shrubs native to China and other regions of the Pacific Ocean. Some species are: Osteomeles schweriniae, Osteomeles chinensis, Osteomeles lanata, Osteomeles pyracantha, Osteomeles latifolia.

Common name: Chinese Emperor Plum. This species is native to China.

They are elegant shrubs or trees with thin hanging branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves can be deciduous or semi-deciduous and are divided into small elliptical, bright green leaflets. The small white flowers, 1.5 cm in diameter, are scented and produce dark blue edible fruits. They bloom from late spring to early summer.

They are used in borders, in hedges, as isolated specimens and in large pots for terraces and patios. With the fruits jams are made.

Osteomeles schweriniae needs full sun exposure protected from the wind (for example next to a wall). They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

The soil must be rich in organic matter and be very well drained.

Water moderately all year round; for example once every 2 weeks (weekly if it is very hot). Water very little in winter. They resist drought well.

Fertilize in fall with compost or manure.

Prune in late winter to remove dry branches and control growth.

They can be attacked by fungi if there is excess moisture.

They are propagated by cuttings; seeds germinate very slowly.

Images of the shrub Osteomeles schweriniae or Chinese Emperor Plum