How to Grow Dragon Wing Apricot
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Dragon Wing Apricot
Prunus armeniaca 'Dragon Wing'
treeDragon Wing Apricot is a semi-dwarf apricot cultivar known for its ornamental dark red foliage and productive fruiting habit. This compact tree produces sweet, juicy golden-orange apricots while serving as an attractive landscape specimen with its burgundy leaves and spring blossoms.
When should you plant Dragon Wing Apricot in your zone?
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Example Dragon Wing Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dragon Wing Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Dragon Wing Apricot
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dragon Wing Apricot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Dragon Wing Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First yearYoung tree is focused on root development and establishing its structure with reddish foliage beginning to show
Plant in spring, mulch heavily, water consistently, avoid fertilizing excessively, stake for wind protection
Juvenile Growth
Years 2-3Tree develops main scaffold branches and fuller canopy with deep burgundy foliage becoming more pronounced
Prune to develop open center; fertilize lightly in spring; maintain consistent moisture; remove any fruit buds to encourage vegetative growth
Flowering
2-4 weeks in early springDelicate pale pink to white blossoms emerge in early spring before leaf emergence, covering the burgundy branches
Monitor for frost damage (buds are vulnerable); avoid heavy pruning during flowering; ensure adequate pollination
Fruiting
8-10 weeksSmall green fruit develops rapidly, gradually enlarging and turning golden-orange with reddish blush as ripening occurs
Thin fruit to 2-3 inches apart for larger fruit; provide consistent water; feed with balanced fertilizer; monitor for pests
Harvest & Dormancy
Harvest 3-4 weeks; dormancy 3-4 monthsRipe apricots are harvested; foliage begins changing color in fall before tree enters winter dormancy
Harvest when fully ripe; prune in late winter (dormancy) to maintain shape; remove dead wood; reduce watering in fall
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, deploy pheromone traps
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Prune infected branches, improve air circulation, apply sulfur or copper fungicide in spring, remove mummified fruit
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity, use miticides if severe, apply neem oil, remove affected foliage
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Shake tree onto tarps to collect fallen insects, remove infested fruit, apply spinosad at petal fall
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Prune infected areas, improve drainage, apply copper bactericide, avoid overhead watering
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryDragon Wing Apricots are excellent fresh eating with their sweet, juicy flesh, and their excellent pectin content makes them ideal for jams, preserves, and dried apricots. [source]
Nutritional and wellness benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants including beta-carotene. Traditional uses include digestive support and immune system enhancement. [source]
Landscape and wildlife value
OrnamentalThe distinctive deep burgundy foliage provides year-round color interest, while spring blossoms attract pollinators and summer fruit attracts birds and beneficial wildlife. [source]
Dried fruit and cooking
HouseholdDragon Wing Apricots dry exceptionally well and can be used in baking, trail mixes, and as a nutritious snack. The fruit also works well in chutneys and savory dishes. [source]
Ornamental wood and crafts
CraftApricot wood is prized for small woodworking projects and crafts due to its attractive color and grain, and branches can be used in floral arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when apricots are fully colored and yield slightly to gentle pressure, typically mid-to-late summer depending on zone. Ripe apricots will detach easily from the branch. For best flavor, allow them to fully ripen on the tree. Pick in early morning before heat of day. Fruit continues ripening after harvest if picked at the ripe stage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Dragon Wing' cultivar is named for its striking deep burgundy foliage that resembles dragon wings, making it one of the most ornamentally appealing apricot varieties available.
- 🌱 Apricots are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with origins in China dating back over 4,000 years, and they're botanically classified as stone fruits (drupes) related to peaches and plums.
- 🌱 A single Dragon Wing Apricot tree can produce 50-100 pounds of fruit at full maturity, though the decorative foliage and spring blossoms make it valuable even in non-productive years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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