Thorough Explanation of Ume Blossom Meanings! What Are Their Meanings and Origins?
A detailed explanation of the plum blossom's flower meanings! What are its meanings and origins?
Amidst the lingering harsh cold, the plum blossom, blooming earlier than any other flower, announces the arrival of spring with its dignified fragrance.
From its pure appearance, the plum blossom holds powerful flower meanings such as "noble" and "patience," but do you know the deep history behind how these flower meanings originated?
By reading this article, you will not only understand the true meaning of "plum blossom flower meanings," but also how deeply plums have been intertwined with Japanese history and culture (such as "Shochikubai" and the legend of "Sugawara no Michizane").
An &YOUKAEN florist will thoroughly explain the profound charm of plum blossoms! Please read to the end.
Click here for spring gifts to enjoy the arrival of spring ▶︎
Understand the basic information about plum blossoms
First, let's understand the basic information about plum trees.
What kind of plant is a plum tree?
| Plant name | Plum |
| Scientific name |
Prunus mume |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Origin | South-central China |
The plum is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus. In fact, it is closely related to peaches, cherries, and apricots.
Botanically, it is considered particularly close to peaches and apricots.
It is broadly divided into "Hanaume" (flowering plums) for ornamental purposes and "Miume" (fruit-bearing plums) for harvesting fruit.
What is the origin of the plum's name?
There are several theories about the origin of its name, but the most plausible one suggests that the Chinese pronunciation of "Mei" (マイ, 'me') was introduced to Japan and evolved into "Ume."
Other theories include that it came from "umu" (熟む, to ripen) referring to the buds, or from "ube" (燻べ, to smoke) as the fruit was smoked for medicinal purposes.
What is "ume" in English?
It is generally referred to as "Plum blossom."
However, "Plum" in the West mainly refers to "prunes (European plums)," so botanically, it is also accurately distinguished as "Japanese apricot."
What are the flower meanings of plum blossoms?
Now, let's delve into the "flower meanings of plum blossoms."
Many of the plum blossom's flower meanings are deeply rooted in its "way of blooming" and a certain "historical legend."
"Nobility," "Patience," "Elegance"
These flower meanings derive from the plum's blooming appearance itself.
While snow still remains and other flowers tightly close their buds in the harsh cold, plum blossoms bloom earlier than any other flower, accompanied by a dignified and elegant fragrance.
This appearance was believed to symbolize "patience" that does not yield to difficult circumstances, "nobility" that is uninfluenced by worldly desires, and "elegance" that is pure.
"Fidelity"
Among the flower meanings of plum blossoms, "fidelity" stands out prominently.
The origin of this flower meaning comes from the famous legend of "Sugawara no Michizane," a great scholar and statesman of the Heian period, and the plum tree he loved.
Due to a conspiracy, Michizane was exiled from Kyoto to distant Dazaifu (modern-day Fukuoka Prefecture). As he left his Kyoto residence, he recited a poem to the plum tree he cherished daily:
"When the east wind blows, send your fragrance to me, plum blossoms. Do not forget spring, even though your master is gone."
(When the east wind blows, send your fragrance to me, plum blossoms. Even though your master is gone, do not forget spring and fail to bloom.)
It is said that the plum tree, out of its "fidelity" to its master, flew overnight from Kyoto to Michizane in Dazaifu.
This is the famous "Tobiume Legend" (Flying Plum Legend), which became the origin of the flower meaning "fidelity."
What are the flower meanings by color?
Plum blossoms also have slightly different flower meanings depending on their color.
・Red plum (red/pink): "Grace," "Glamour"
・White plum: "Dignity," "Purity," "Clear heart"
White plums more strongly evoke images of "nobility" and "patience," while red plums express splendor and elegance.
Plum blossoms are auspicious flowers
Plum blossoms are considered very auspicious "吉祥花 (kisshōka)" (lucky flowers) in Japan and China, not just for their beauty.
One of the "Shochikubai"
"Shochikubai" (松竹梅), used as a symbol of auspicious things, originates from the Chinese phrase "Sankan no Sanyū" (歳寒三友), meaning "Three Friends of Winter."
"Three Friends of Winter" refers to the three friends that maintain their appearance even in the cold winter (歳寒): pine, bamboo, and plum.
・Pine: "Longevity" as it remains green even in severe cold.
・Bamboo: "Prosperity" as it grows straight without breaking in the snow.
・Plum: "Vitality/Hope" as it blooms early.
Plum blossoms are considered auspicious as a "symbol of hope, announcing spring in the midst of severe cold."
In China, it is an auspicious flower representing the "Five Blessings"
The five petals of the plum blossom are also said to represent the "Five Blessings (gofuku)" which are considered auspicious in China.
The Five Blessings are "Longevity," "Wealth," "Health," "Virtue" (accumulating moral character), and "Destiny" (living out one's full life). Plum blossoms are truly "flowers that bring happiness."
About the history of plum blossoms
Let's trace the history of how plum blossoms have been deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Plums were enjoyed in China since before BC
The plum tree is said to originate from China, and since before Christ, its fruit was closely integrated into people's lives, not only as an ornamental plant but also as the herbal medicine "Ubai" (烏梅) and as a smoked preserved food (the precursor to umeboshi, pickled plums).
(Source: MDPI "Meizi-Consuming Culture That Fostered the Sustainable Use of Plum Resources in Dali of China: An Ethnobotanical Study")
Introduced to Japan in the Nara Period
During the Nara period, it is said that plum trees were brought to Japan by Japanese envoys to Tang China as medicinal and ornamental plants.
What is very interesting here is the number of flowers recited in the 'Man'yoshu.' In fact, while there are about 40 poems about cherry blossoms, there are about 120 poems about plum blossoms.
This indicates that in the Nara period, "flowers meant plum blossoms."
(Source: National Diet Library Search "Early Spring Plums")
Heian court culture and plum blossoms
In the Heian period, nobles cherished the fragrance of plum blossoms and planted them in their residences to admire them.
And then, the "Tobiume Legend" of "Sugawara no Michizane" was born.
(There is a common theory that as "Kokufu-bunka" (Japanese national culture) developed, the popularity shifted to "cherry blossoms" blooming in the fields and mountains of Japan.)
(Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "Plum Trees of Dazaifu")
Kamakura and Muromachi periods: Plum trees in temple gardens
Along with the culture of Zen Buddhism, plum blossoms were favored as a subject for ink wash paintings, and their spiritual qualities of "patience" and "nobility" resonated with Zen teachings, leading to their planting in many temples.
(Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art "Plum Blossoms")
(Source: Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku, Ginkaku Treasure Exhibition - Afterglow of Plum Blossoms / History and Treasures of Shokoku-ji)
Explosion of horticulture in the Edo period! Plum blossoms spread
In the Edo period, an unprecedented gardening boom occurred, and many ornamental "Hanaume" (flowering plums) were created.
"Um-emi" (梅見, plum blossom viewing) became a popular pastime for commoners, and famous plum blossom spots like Yushima Tenjin and Kameido Tenjin were bustling with many people.
(Source: Tokyo Museum Collection "Kameido Umeyashiki, a Famous Edo Spot")
(Source: Wikipedia "Hanami")
In modern times, a symbol of culture and faith
Since Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined as the "god of scholarship (Tenjin-sama)," plum blossoms have also become a symbol of "passing exams."
The family crest of Tenmangu shrines (Tenjin-sama) across the country is the "plum crest," and during exam season, the sight of plum blossoms "blooming after enduring harsh winter" resonates with the image of students diligently studying, providing emotional support to many.
Bring the spirit of plum blossoms into your home. &YOUKAEN's提案 for spring decor
Having learned about the flower meanings of plum blossoms and their profound history, many of you may have been drawn to their "nobility blooming in the harsh cold" and their appearance as "hope announcing spring."
While &YOUKAEN does not currently offer plum branches themselves, we have a wide selection of beautiful flowers that announce the arrival of spring, imbued with the spirit of plum blossoms.
When plum blossoms begin to bloom, it's as if their fragrance invites other flowers to awaken all at once.
For example, tulips, with their dignified appearance suggesting hope, and ranunculus, with their layers of petals evoking richness.
These, too, like plum blossoms, adorn the end of winter and bring us the joy of spring.
Why not welcome the new season into your home with a spring floral gift from &YOUKAEN, reflecting on the spirit of "patience" and "hope" that plum blossoms embody?
Shabby Chic Pink L Size Arrangement with Cherry Blossoms and Abundant Spring Flowers
¥15,400-
Summary
Did you enjoy the profound world of plum blossoms?
・The "flower meanings of plum blossoms" such as "nobility" and "patience" originate from their dignified appearance blooming in the harsh cold.
・The flower meaning "fidelity" is rooted in the profound story of the "Tobiume Legend," which depicts the bond between Sugawara no Michizane and a plum tree.
・Plum blossoms are symbols of "Shochikubai" (pine, bamboo, plum) and the "Five Blessings," and have been cherished since the era of the 'Man'yoshu,' making them very auspicious and historically significant flowers.
Please enjoy the "hope" and "dignity" that plum blossoms possess through spring flowers.
&YOUKAEN will help you decorate the beginning of your new season with thoughtfully designed flowers.
Click here for spring gifts to enjoy the arrival of spring ▶︎
◆Revision History
December 9, 2025: Added references and source information.
Oct 30, 2025
