Prunus tenella
DWARF RUSSIAN FLOWERING ALMOND
SKU: 2012-002
Prunus tenella, the dwarf Russian almond, is a species of deciduous shrub in the genus Prunus, native to steppes of Eastern Europe and Western Siberia, as well as dry open sites of Caucasus, Western and Central Asia. The plants are extremely cold hardy.
It is a popular ornamental plant in cold temperate regions, valued for its profuse spring blossom and exceptional winter hardiness. Studies indicate it is closely related to bush cherries, apricots and plums, rather than almonds. It yields small almond-like hairy fruits with characteristic flavor.
The seeds are in very limited supply.
Type: Hardy shrub
Hardiness zones: 2-8
Height: 1.5m, 5 ft
Location: Sun or part sun
Seeds per packet: 2
Note: The seeds and leaves of prunus contain poisons. Do not eat them.
Germination: Soak the seeds for 12-24 hours before planting. Sow the seeds just under the surface and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 60-90 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature (20-22 C, 68-72 F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-90 days after the warming period, though some can take longer. Do not discard the planting tray, as patience is needed, and they are well worth the wait.
Prunus tenella, the dwarf Russian almond, is a species of deciduous shrub in the genus Prunus, native to steppes of Eastern Europe and Western Siberia, as well as dry open sites of Caucasus, Western and Central Asia. The plants are extremely cold hardy.
It is a popular ornamental plant in cold temperate regions, valued for its profuse spring blossom and exceptional winter hardiness. Studies indicate it is closely related to bush cherries, apricots and plums, rather than almonds. It yields small almond-like hairy fruits with characteristic flavor.
The seeds are in very limited supply.
Type: Hardy shrub
Hardiness zones: 2-8
Height: 1.5m, 5 ft
Location: Sun or part sun
Seeds per packet: 2
Note: The seeds and leaves of prunus contain poisons. Do not eat them.
Germination: Soak the seeds for 12-24 hours before planting. Sow the seeds just under the surface and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 60-90 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature (20-22 C, 68-72 F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-90 days after the warming period, though some can take longer. Do not discard the planting tray, as patience is needed, and they are well worth the wait.
