Blooming red plum (Figure)

Songhongmei, a newly introduced flower variety in recent years, has gained popularity for its unique appearance and long flowering period. Known for its pine-like leaves and plum-like blossoms, it is also called "Pine Leaf Peony" due to the resemblance of its double flowers to peonies. Although the individual flowers are not large, they appear in abundance, creating a full and vibrant display. When in bloom, the small flowers add a charming and lively touch, making it a favorite during festive seasons. Its flowering season stretches from early winter to early summer in northern regions, while in the south, it can bloom for up to four months. This makes Songhongmei an ideal choice for indoor decoration during New Year and the Spring Festival, adding a warm and festive atmosphere. Beyond potted plants, it is also widely used as garden shrubs and cut flowers. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties, with essential oils that exhibit strong antibacterial and antifungal effects. It is used to treat respiratory issues and is popular in aromatherapy abroad for its pleasant fragrance. Botanically, Songhongmei is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family, typically growing up to 2 meters tall. It features dense branches, reddish-brown stems, and slender new shoots often covered in fine hairs. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped, measuring between 0.7 cm to 2 cm in length and 0.2 cm to 0.6 cm in width. Flowers come in various colors such as red, pink, and white, with diameters ranging from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm. They bloom in late spring, followed by leathery pods that split open when mature. Native to New Zealand and Australia, Songhongmei thrives in cool, moist, and sunny environments. It is not highly cold-tolerant, requiring temperatures above -1°C during winter. Therefore, it is best suited for southern regions where it can be used for garden landscaping. While it does not require strict soil conditions, it grows best in slightly acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Its optimal growth temperature ranges between 18°C and 25°C. In summer, it should be protected from high heat and direct sunlight, ideally placed in shaded areas. During other seasons, it needs plenty of sunlight. Fertilization should be done every 1–2 months during the growing season using diluted liquid fertilizer, keeping the soil consistently moist but avoiding waterlogging, especially during rainy periods. After flowering, a thorough pruning is recommended to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new flowering branches. Pruning should be done carefully—only remove branches that disrupt the form, cutting back no more than half or two-thirds. Over-pruning can damage the plant, as mature woody parts lack active buds. Applying a quick-acting inorganic fertilizer after pruning helps promote healthy growth and ensure blooming the following year. Since its root system is shallow, avoid excessive soil disturbance to prevent root damage. Propagation can be done through cuttings, air layering, or sowing, with the ideal temperature for seed germination and rooting around 20°C. This makes it suitable for cooler mountainous areas, where survival rates are higher. In hot and humid regions, propagation may be less successful. When young, pinching the top encourages branching and a fuller canopy. Proper care and attention make Songhongmei a beautiful and versatile addition to gardens and homes alike.

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