IVANUSHKA

Ivanushka, also known as the Japanese apricot, is a decorative and fruit-bearing shrub from the rose family, native to China and Japan. The plant grows up to 1–2 meters tall, depending on the variety and cultivation method. Its branches have an arching structure, sometimes covered with thorns up to 2 cm long, while the root system is fibrous and shallow.

The leaves are glossy dark green and densely arranged on the arching shoots. Flowering begins in late April–early May and lasts almost a month, with blossoms appearing before the leaves. They are large (diameter about 4 cm) and come in red, orange, raspberry, pink, or white shades. The flower shape varies from simple to double, and their arrangement on branches is chaotic—sometimes single, sometimes in clusters of 2–6.

After the flowering period, yellow-green fruits are formed, which are edible and taste like pineapple. The fruits ripen in October and can be used for food. The Japanese apricot is resilient to adverse conditions and suits both garden design and decorative umbrellas due to its decorative appeal and prolonged flowering.