Pink Flowering Almond
Pink Flowering Almond
A Spring Shrub Smothered in Double Pink Pom-Poms
Pink Flowering Almond (Prunus triloba) is a beloved old-fashioned spring shrub that erupts in a cloud of fully double, pink pom-pom flowers along every branch before the leaves emerge — a breathtaking, fleeting show that signals spring has arrived. Compact and easy, it's hardy to zone 3 and makes a charming specimen or cut-branch source. A nostalgic flowering shrub for sunny borders and entryways in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Pink Flowering Almond Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Prunus triloba |
| Mature Size | 4–6 ft. tall, 4–5 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
| Bloom Time | Early to mid spring, before leaves emerge |
| Flower Color | Double pink pom-poms |
| Soil | Well-drained; tolerates clay; prefers average garden soil |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -40°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | May be browsed — protect young plants where deer pressure is high |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Spring specimen: Plant it where its brief, spectacular bloom can be admired — near entries, patios, and windows. Space 4–5 feet apart.
Cut branches and pollinators: The flowering branches are wonderful forced indoors, and the early blooms feed pollinators. Pair with spring bulbs and later-blooming shrubs.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) in full sun with good drainage.
How to Plant Pink Flowering Almond
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems. Space 4–5 feet apart.
Watering Pink Flowering Almond
First year: Water deeply every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Water during dry spells. Prune right after flowering, since it blooms on old wood.
Q: How long does it bloom?
The double pink display is spectacular but brief — about one to two weeks in early spring. Plant it for that unforgettable moment.
Q: When do I prune it?
Right after flowering — it blooms on old wood, so late pruning removes next year's flowers.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 3 and beyond.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Not reliably — deer may browse it; protect young plants where deer pressure is high.
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Purpleleaf Sandcherry (Prunus × cistena): A purple-foliage shrub with pink spring flowers.
Lilac (Syringa): A fragrant spring-flowering shrub.
Spirea (Spiraea): A summer-flowering companion shrub.