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Golden Apricot Flowers: Unveiling the Secrets of their Significance, Cultivation, and Care

The golden apricot blossom, also known as the yellow or apricot-hued plum blossom, is a symbol of good fortune and a prosperous start to the New Year. This vibrant flower is believed to ward off evil and bring about a year of abundance and positivity.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

The Ochna Integerrima, commonly known as the Yellow Mai, is an integral part of the Tet holiday in Vietnam. This vibrant flower holds a special place in the culture and traditions of the country, especially during the festive season. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful and auspicious flower.

1Yellow Mai Information

Origin of the Yellow Mai

The Yellow Mai has a long history, dating back at least 300 years to ancient China. It was mentioned in “Tran Huong Bao Ngu” by Phi Cung An, describing how Queen Da Ji loved to admire the flower in the cold, and King Zhou would join her despite the snow. The flower is also one of the “Three Friends of Winter,” alongside pine and chrysanthemum.

In Vietnam, the Yellow Mai is predominantly found in the central regions, extending down to the southern provinces. It is native to the Truong Son mountain range and can be seen in provinces like Quang Nam, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and the Mekong Delta.

Characteristics of the Yellow Mai

The Yellow Mai is a wild-growing tree that thrives in tropical climates. It has a woody trunk with a rough bark and many branches. The branches are brittle but flexible, making them ideal for shaping and styling. The leaves are long and green, and as winter ends, they begin to fall, making way for the emergence of green buds that eventually bloom into bright yellow flowers. The number and shape of petals vary, with some flowers having 5, 9, 12, or even more petals.

2Significance of the Yellow Mai during Tet

Significance of the Yellow Mai during Tet

The Yellow Mai is almost synonymous with Tet, especially in the southern regions of Vietnam. The vibrant yellow flowers in full bloom on the first day of Tet are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. The cheerful colors of the flowers also symbolize a joyful and auspicious start to the new year.

3Types of Yellow Mai

Yellow Mai with 5 Petals

The 5-petaled Yellow Mai is perhaps the most iconic and memorable variety for Vietnamese people. When we think of the Yellow Mai, this is usually the first image that comes to mind. Within this type, there are further classifications based on the shape of the petals, such as the “mai chau,” “mai liễu,” “mai cánh nhọn,” and “mai cánh tròn.”

Yellow Mai with 5 to 9 Petals

The 9-petaled Yellow Mai is considered a precious variety. In ancient times, the number 9 was associated with good fortune and the emperor. This type of mai has two layers of petals, with one layer having 4 petals and the other having 5, creating a full and prosperous look.

Yellow Mai with 12 Petals

Also known as “mai Tu Gioi,” this variety of Yellow Mai has 12 petals, forming three distinct layers. The petals create a beautiful, closed circle when the flower is in full bloom.

Yellow Mai with Multiple Layers of Petals

This term refers to Yellow Mai varieties that have more than two layers of petals and at least 24 petals in total. Some notable examples include the “mai Cuu Long,” “mai 24 cánh Thủ Đức,” “mai Huỳnh Tỷ,” and “mai 120-150 cánh Bến Tre.”

4Growing and Caring for the Yellow Mai

Growing and Caring for the Yellow Mai

Planting Yellow Mai

You can propagate the Yellow Mai through seeds or cuttings.
The ideal time to plant is at the start of the rainy season.
Prepare a hole in well-drained soil mixed with coconut fiber and decomposed manure. Place the seed or cutting in the hole, cover it with soil, and water it.

Caring for Yellow Mai

Water the Yellow Mai twice a day, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. You can also apply nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
To encourage blooming during Tet, prune the branches before the 15th day of the lunar month or, at the latest, on the 20th.
Use a sprayer to remove any moss or algae that may form on the trunk.

For further reading:

5Images of the Yellow Mai in Full Bloom for Tet 2023

Yellow Mai in Full Bloom for Spring

60-Year-Old Yellow Mai Tree in Dong Nai

Yellow Mai in Bloom

Symbol of Traditional Tet

Representing a Year of Abundance

We hope this article provided you with interesting insights into the Yellow Mai. May it bring you good fortune and joy this Tet season and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

The Golden Apricot flower is a symbol of life, renewal, and vitality in many cultures. It is associated with spring and the rebirth of nature, representing hope, youth, and a bright future. In some cultures, it is also believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and longevity.

The scientific name of the Golden Apricot flower is Prunus armeniaca, and it originally hails from the Armenian region, specifically the Aras River valley, which spans present-day Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan.

To grow Golden Apricot flowers successfully, you need to provide them with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun exposure. They prefer a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Regular watering is essential, but be careful not to overwater as they are susceptible to root rot. Pruning is also necessary to maintain their shape and encourage blooming.

Golden Apricot flowers thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. They prefer a temperate climate with cool winters and mild summers. While they can tolerate partial shade, they bloom best in full sun, ideally receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering needs depend on the soil type and weather conditions. In general, Golden Apricot flowers should be watered regularly, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Some common pests that affect Golden Apricot flowers include aphids, scale insects, and borers. Diseases to watch out for are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can help manage these issues. This includes cultural, mechanical, and biological pest control methods, as well as the judicious use of pesticides if necessary.

The best time to prune Golden Apricot flowers is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Pruning helps shape the tree, encourage blooming, and maintain a healthy structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to promote air circulation and light penetration.

Yes, Golden Apricot flowers can be grown in containers, but they may not reach their full size. Choose a large, well-drained container and ensure you use a soil mix specifically designed for container gardening. Regular pruning will also be necessary to maintain a manageable size.

Golden Apricot flowers benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring before new growth appears. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer applied periodically throughout the growing season.

Some popular cultivars of Golden Apricot flowers include ‘Golden Globe,’ ‘Moongold,’ ‘Sungold,’ and ‘Golden Blenheim.’ Each cultivar offers unique characteristics, such as dwarf or semi-dwarf sizes, early or late blooming, and varying shades of golden-yellow flowers.