Mokel Flowering Apricot | Early Spring Blooming Tree

Mokel Flowering Apricot

15 Gallon

$229.00

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Mokel Flowering Apricot

Prunus mume ’Mokel‘, Mokel Janpanese ume plum

Exquisite Double Pink Blooms • Fragrant Spring Spectacle • Fruit for Traditional Preserves

$229.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Mokel Flowering Apricot is a living sculpture of spring elegance. Celebrated for its exquisite double flowers, its branches are lavishly adorned with ruffled rosettes of soft pink petals set against striking reddish-crimson calyxes. This stunning visual display is complemented by the same intoxicating, spicy-sweet fragrance that defines the ume species. While its ornamental value is paramount, it reliably produces a crop of small, tart green fruits, offering the bonus of homegrown ingredients for authentic Japanese culinary projects, from tangy pickles to sweet homemade liqueur. Mokel is the choice for the connoisseur who desires peak floral beauty paired with practical, flavorful harvests.

Renowned for its spectacular display of fragrant, double-form pink flowers with vivid red calyxes in late winter.
Provides year-round interest: spring blooms, summer greenery, small ornamental fruits, and fall color.
An ideal size for residential landscapes, easily maintained as a focal point or patio tree.
Produces classic, firm, sour ume fruits perfect for traditional preserving, pickling (umeboshi), and making sweet-style plum wine.
Follows the classic "flowers-first" habit, with oval, serrated leaves appearing after the bloom period.
Self-fertile and deciduous, with a moderate growth habit.

Flavor Profile (of the Fruit):

Flavor: Predominantly tart and refreshing with balanced acidity.
Texture: Dense, hard, and chewy—the ideal texture for pickling.
Primary Uses: Best suited for processing into Japanese pickles (umeboshi), sweet umeshu (plum wine), preserves, and dried products.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Flowers:Double-petaled pink blossoms with crimson calyx.Distinctive flat lotus-shaped base.Intense sweet-spicy fragrance.Early spring bloom (February-March).Self-fertile.Foliage:Oval leaves with serrated edges.Bright green spring/summer color.Golden-yellow fall foliage.Fruit:Small oval drupes (1-1.5" long).Thick skin: pale green → golden yellow with burgundy blush.Crisp, fibrous flesh with balanced sweet-tart flavor
Mature Size:Height: 15-20 ft .Width: 15-20 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Key Advantages:Winter floral spectacle - earliest blooming ornamental fruit tree.Dual-purpose value - exquisite flowers + culinary fruit.Cultural heritage - prized in Japanese tradition.Disease resistant - superior to common plums
Landscape Uses:Focal point specimen.Zen gardens.Winter fragrance gardens.Bonsai cultivation

Q: What's the main difference between Shiro Kaga and Mokel?
A: The primary difference is in the flowers. Shiro Kaga has beautiful single, white flowers. Mokel is prized for its showier, double-form flowers with layers of soft pink petals and a dramatic red calyx. Both are highly fragrant and produce similar fruits.

Q: Are the fruits edible fresh?
A: Like all true Japanese flowering apricots (ume), the fruits are not for fresh eating. They are intensely sour and astringent when raw. Their true value is unlocked through preservation, where they develop complex, savory, or sweet flavors.

Q: How do I care for it to ensure good flowering?
A: Plant in full sun for the most prolific bloom. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Pruning, if needed, should be done immediately after flowering in spring, as it sets flower buds on old wood in the summer/fall for the following year.

Q: Can I grow this in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent candidate for container culture, especially with regular pruning to manage its size. Use a large pot with excellent drainage. This allows gardeners in various climates to enjoy its spectacular early bloom.