Chinese Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Chinese Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Apricot blooms very early, bud-kill from late spring frosts is the norm, fruiting years are infrequent.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus armeniaca
- Variety / cultivar
- Chinese
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Chinese Apricot good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Chinese Apricot is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Chinese Apricot get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Chinese Apricot need?
- Give Chinese Apricot about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Chinese Apricot grow into?
- Chinese Apricot typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Chinese Apricot hardy on the Front Range?
- Chinese Apricot is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Chinese Apricot need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Chinese Apricot grow?
- Chinese Apricot is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Chinese Apricot live?
- Chinese Apricot is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Chinese Apricot safe for dogs?
- No. Chinese Apricot is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Chinese Apricot deer-resistant?
- No. Chinese Apricot is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Chinese Apricot prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Chinese Apricot can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
