Apricot Blossom Meaning: Unveiling Cultural Stories, Myths, and Symbolism
Many Apricot blossoms are simply the flowers that form before the fruit that shares the name. Other trees only produce flowers, making them a potent source of cute spring blossoms easily added to all sorts of bouquets. No matter what kind of Apricot blossom you’re admiring, you should know that there is a deep well of symbolism and meaning behind the flower. Many cultures enjoy both the sweet fruit of the Apricot tree and its clustered blossoms, and comparing the various meanings they apply to the flowers could help you find a new way to send a significant message to someone.
Apricot Blossom Meaning & Symbolism
Etymology
The Apricot tree is specifically known as Prunus armeniaca. Prunus is the name of the genus that comes from the rose family and includes many flowering fruit trees, including the plums that produce prunes.
The name Prunus is the literal Latin translation of plum tree. Armeniaca refers to the fact that this tree was native to Armenia and the surrounding areas before spreading to the rest of Europe thousands of years ago.
The name Apricot comes from Portuguese and Spanish from Latin and refers to the fact that it ripens earlier than other tree fruits.
Apricot Blossom Meaning in Floriography
The Victorians regularly enjoyed sweet and soft Apricot fruit, so they also widely used the early blossoms of the tree as a gift.
Unfortunately, it had a somewhat negative meaning of doubt or second thoughts in floriography. It was commonly sent by someone who was pursued by a suitor that they weren’t convinced of yet. Sending a sprig of fresh Apricot blossoms could invite an attempt to prove oneself if combined with another encouraging flower.
In other cases, it simply indicated someone thought it was doubtful that romance or friendship was possible and that there was no point in further efforts.
Common Apricot Blossom Colors and Their Meaning & Symbolism
The standard Apricot blossom is a white or light cream color. White apricot blossom meaning is often associated with purity, cleanliness, healing, recovery, grief, and new beginnings. That makes it a popular wedding flower.
Some varieties of Apricots have pink or yellow flowers instead. Yellow flowers send a cheerful and joyful message, as do pink flowers. However, pink is also associated with youthfulness, charm, and sweetness. Yellow is more associated with good luck, health, and energy.
The Meaning of Apricot Blossom in Ancient Times
The ancient Greeks and Romans were well-acquainted with the Apricot because the tree was domesticated as far back as the Bronze Age. Some antiquarians believed that the Golden Apples of the Hesperides were most likely Apricots. These fruits were retrieved as one of the 12 labors of Hercules and were guarded by a dragon with a hundred heads. This gives them a meaning of important treasure, even when just in blossom form.
The Meaning of Apricot Blossom in Religion and Spirituality
Apricot trees and their blossoms symbolize Confucianism and its religious practices. It’s part of the lore of Confucius that he trained his students while they were all seated under the shade of an Apricot tree.
This gives the blossoms a sense of education, stateliness, and spirituality. Some people also believe that all the references in the Bible to apples are actually referencing Apricots since they grow in the Middle East. Making it the forbidden fruit also links it to knowledge, albeit in a slightly less positive way.
Vietnamese and Chinese Flower Languages
In Chinese culture, the Apricot blossom meaning is associated with finding out good career news because the emperor once assigned the best civil service positions during the early spring when the flowers appeared.
They were often given to people who did well on their exams or found favorable placements to celebrate their success. In Vietnam, the Yellow Apricot, or Ochna integerrima, is used to celebrate the Lunar New Year and is believed to banish ghosts at any time.
Suitable Occasions to Gift Apricot Blossom
Enrollment in college or acceptance to an advanced job training program are two great occasions that call for gifting an Apricot blossom.
You can also stick to the Victorian flower language and send it to someone when you want to signal some kind of doubt in their proposal. It’s a gentle way to let someone down during a breakup or when canceling an engagement.
Uses and Benefits of Apricot Blossom
Apricot blossoms produce copious amounts of nectar for bees and other pollinators during the early spring when not much else is available. The flowers aren’t strictly edible, but the fruit that appears afterward is generally a prized edible.
About Apricot Blossom
Apricot trees are native to the Middle East and parts of the Far East, such as Armenia and Russia. They’re cultivated worldwide and tend to prefer warmer and drier climates.
They’re part of the larger Prunus genus, which includes Apples, Peaches, Plants, and many other tree-grown fruit.
Apricots thrive in USDA zones 5 through 8 and need protection from late frosts that can damage the flowers before fruit are set. Flowering Apricots that don’t set fruit can often be grown in zones 4 and 9.
Apricot Blossom FAQs:
Is Apricot Blossom poisonous?
Apricot blossoms are not poisonous, but they can be irritating if eaten. Most pets or children won’t eat more than one or two and shouldn’t suffer any ill effects.
How many different types of Apricot Blossom are there?
True Apricots are all part of the Prunus armeniaca species. However, some other plants, like the Yellow Apricot, share the common name despite being a different species. There are hundreds of named cultivars of the fruiting tree.
Where does Apricot Blossom typically grow?
Apricots grow almost everywhere in the world that fits between USDA zones 5 and 8, especially in drier and warmer climates.
Does Apricot Blossom attract certain types of wildlife?
Apricot blossoms are widely loved by bees and other insects. The fruit tends to feed deer, raccoons, and more if they’re not all picked.
Is Apricot Blossom suitable for cut flower arrangements?
These flowers can last for a week or longer on the branch before fading. This makes them acceptable for use in most arrangements.
What symbolic meanings are associated with Apricot Blossom?
Apricot blossoms can symbolize doubt, joyfulness at the arrival of spring, or study and a deeper connection to wisdom.
What are some companion plants that grow well with Apricot Blossom?
White clover, red bee balm, onion chives, and comfrey are often grown under Apricot trees to discourage pests and encourage soil health.
Apricot Blossom Meaning – Wrapping Up
Plant an Apricot tree to gain a beautiful display of white star-like flowers in early spring. Apricot blossom is rich in meaning and symbolism, and with a little care, you might just get some fruit as well.
For more, see our in-depth guide to Arbutus flower meaning and symbolism.