Prunus mume 'Sabashikou'

Flower name
Prunus mume 'Sabashikou'
Scientific name
Prunus mume 'Sabashikou'
Alias梅, ウメ, ume, Prunus mume, sabasiko, 佐橋紅
Place of originChina (cultivated kind)
Place of floweringGarden, Orchard, Botanical Gardens, Park, Horticultural species, Bonsai
Flowering seasonFebruary, March

What is Prunus mume 'Sabashikou'

Prunus mume 'Sabashikou' (Ume 'Sabashikou') is a cultivated variety of the deciduous small tree Ume (Japanese apricot, scientific name: Prunus mume), which belongs to the Rosaceae (rose family) and the Prunus genus.

Definition of White Ume and Red Ume
The flower colors of Ume include red, white, and pink. However, the classification of "Red Ume" (Koubai) and "White Ume" (Hakubai) is not strictly based on the flower color but rather on the color of the cross-section when the wood is cut and processed.

Ornamental Ume and Fruiting Ume
'Ume Sabashikou' is classified as an "ornamental Ume" (Hanabai), specifically belonging to the "Hi-bai" (Scarlet Ume) group and the "Koubai" (Red Ume) category.

It produces single-layered, bright red flowers with round petals, measuring medium-sized (2–2.5 cm in diameter), blooming from early February to mid-March.

The stamens are long, with noticeable yellow anthers, and the flowers open flat. Although it is a single-petaled variety, some flowers exhibit flag petals—stamens that have transformed into petal-like structures—giving the appearance of semi-double or double flowers.

Flower Diameter Classification
Up to 1.5 cm: Small
1.5–2 cm: Medium-small
2–2.5 cm: Medium
2.5–3 cm: Medium-large
3–4 cm: Large

What is an Ornamental Ume?
Ornamental Ume (Hanabai) are Ume trees cultivated primarily for their beautiful flowers. In contrast, Ume trees grown for their fruit are called "fruiting Ume" (Jitsubai). Some varieties bear both beautiful flowers and edible fruit.

What is the Hi-bai Group?
The Hi-bai group includes Ume trees with red flowers (occasionally white) and small leaves. Their branches, when cut, reveal a reddish cross-section. Even among white-flowered varieties, those with reddish pith are included in this group.

There are three subcategories within the Hi-bai group:

Koubai (Red Ume)
Hi-bai (Scarlet Ume)
Tou-bai (Tang Ume)
'Sabashikou' belongs to the Koubai (Red Ume) category.

What is Koubai (Red Ume)?
Koubai varieties have bright red flowers. Examples include:
'Sabashikou', Taikai, Benichidori, Shinonome, etc.
Horticultural Information
Cultivar name: Prunus mume 'Sabashikou'
Classification: Ornamental Ume (Hanabai) → Hi-bai group → Koubai category
Blooming period: Early February to mid-March
Flower color: Deep red
Flower size: Medium (2–2.5 cm)

Common name: Prunus mume,
Scientific name: Prunus mume,
Tree height: 3-6 m, Life style: deciduous small tree,
Leaf shape: ovate, Leaf inflorescence: alternate, Leaf margin: serrate,
Flowering season: February-April, Flower color: white, peach or red,Flowering season: January to March.
petals: single, double, Fruiting time: June, Fruit type: Nucleus, Fruit color: Yellow, Fruit shape: Spherical, Fruit diameter: 2 to 3 cm,
Use: Plum ornamental and bonsai.

Related pages
Plun Photo or Clipart List