Dwarf Flowering Almond
Prunus glandulosa ‘rosea plena’
Originating in China, this ornamental shrub became popular throughout Europe and Colonial America in the 1770s.
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 McMahon recommended 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.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
When you're here...
Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
