This showy flowering shrub is native to central and northern China and was long cultivated in Japan before its introduction to the West in 1774. In 1794 Thomas Jefferson noted "dble blossd almond" in a list of "Objects for the garden this year." Enslaved gardeners also cultivated this ornamental shrub for Jefferson in clumps on the west and south slopes of Monticello. In the 1806 edition of his book, The American Gardener's Calendar, Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahonrecommended forcing the plant into flower by bringing it into the hot-house in February. The double-flowering sorts were popular shrubs in Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Dwarf Flowering Almond.
Typical Blooming Dates: Late March - April
Color(s): Pink, white
Location at Monticello: West Lawn Oval Bed
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.