The Dwarf Russian Almond (Prunus tenella) is a hardy deciduous shrub cherished for its vibrant rose-red to pink fragrant flowers that bloom profusely before the leaves appear in early spring. Its compact form and brilliant color make it an excellent ornamental choice for small gardens, borders, and hedgerows.
Native to Eurasia, this resilient shrub thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is highly tolerant of drought and cold, making it perfect for USDA Zones 3–8. After flowering, small almond-like fruits appear—primarily ornamental but beloved by birds and wildlife.
🌼 Features
- 🌸 Brilliant Blooms: Clusters of rose-red and pink flowers in early spring.
- 🌿 Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens or foundation plantings.
- ❄️ Cold Hardy: Survives extreme winter temperatures.
- 🐝 Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance.
- 🌞 Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant once established.
📏 Specifications
- Common Name: Dwarf Russian Almond
- Scientific Name: Prunus tenella
- Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- USDA Zones: 3 – 8
- Mature Height: 3 – 5 ft (90 – 150 cm)
- Spread: 3 – 5 ft (90 – 150 cm)
- Flowers: Rose-red to pink, fragrant, bloom before foliage
- Fruits: Small almond-like drupes (ornamental)
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
🌱 Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Cold stratify seeds for 90 days in a moist medium (refrigerator).
- Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Germination Time: 30–90 days (after stratification).
- Light Conditions: Full sun.
- Spacing: 3–5 feet apart.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until established; drought-tolerant later.
🌳 Care Tips
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape and encourage dense growth.
- Prefers full sunlight for best flowering and fruiting.
- Avoid waterlogged soils.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
