What are the latest poems describing plum blossoms?

The plum blossom is a small tree of the genus Armeniaca in the Rosaceae family and ranks first among China's ten most famous flowers. Together with the orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum it is listed among the Four Gentlemen, and together with the pine and bamboo it is known as the “Three Friends of Winter”. In traditional Chinese culture, its noble, strong and modest character inspires people to strive with determination. It blooms in the bitter cold before all other flowers, bringing spring to the world alone. Now let us take a look together at some poems describing plum blossoms!

Poems describing plum blossoms from the Northern and Southern Dynasties

"To Fan Ye"

Northern Wei · Lu Kai

I broke off a plum branch and met a courier, and sent it to the man at Longtou.

There is nothing to give in Jiangnan, so I send a branch of spring.

"Early Plum"

Southern Dynasties · Xie Xie

To welcome spring it blooms early on purpose, alone and unafraid of the cold.

It fears falling behind the other flowers, yet no one looks at it with special feeling.

Poems describing plum blossoms from the Tang Dynasty

"Little Plum in the Mountain Garden"

Tang · Lin Hejing

When all other flowers have fallen, it alone blooms brightly, claiming all the charm for the little garden.

Sparse shadows slant across the clear, shallow water; a hidden fragrance drifts in the dusk of the moon.

The frosty bird steals a glance before it descends; the pink butterfly, if it knew, would surely lose its soul.

Fortunately a soft chant can be close to it; there is no need for clappers and golden cups.

"Remembering the Plum"

Tang · Li Shangyin

Firmly I stay at the ends of the earth, lingeringly facing the splendor of things.

The cold plum is most hateful, forever blooming as last year's flower.

"Seeing Plum Blossoms at the Fufeng Border in Mid-November"

Tang · Li Shangyin

Along the winding road it stands graceful and bright, blooming out of season with a slender fragrance. The moon goddess gives it only moonlight; the frost goddess spares it no frost.

Gathered for a distant gift, the hand is filled in vain; grieving at parting, the heart is truly broken. For whom does it bloom early? It cannot wait to be the fragrance of the year.

"River Plum"

Tang · Du Fu

The plum buds burst before the twelfth month; after the New Year the plum blossoms are many. I know well how lovely the spring mood is, but what can be done about a traveler's sorrow?

The snow-covered trees share the same color, and the river wind ripples on its own. My old garden cannot be seen; the Wu peaks loom dark and towering.

"Early Plum"

Tang · Qi Ji

Ten thousand trees are frozen and about to break, yet the lone root alone returns to warmth. In the deep snow of the village ahead, one branch bloomed last night.

The wind carries out its hidden fragrance, and birds peek at its pure beauty. Next year, if it follows the seasons, it will bloom first against the spring terrace.

"Miscellaneous Poem"

Tang · Wang Wei

You come from my hometown, so you should know the affairs of my hometown.

On the day you came, leaning before the window, had the cold plum put forth blossoms?

"Miscellaneous Chants"

Tang · Wang Wei

I have already seen the cold plum bloom, and again heard the crying of birds.

My heart watches the spring grass, fearing it will grow by the jade steps.

"Plum on the River"

Tang · Wang Shi

Suddenly I see the cold plum tree, its blossoms opening by the Han River.

I did not know spring had come so early, and thought it was a pearl-playing girl.

"Ode to the Courtyard Plum Sent to a Friend"

Tang · Liu Yuxi

Early flowers always brave the cold, and abundant fruit is always bitter and sour. Why is it that on a spring day it sits and lets its fragrant spirit fade?

The delicate peach will surely laugh at it; would a roaming courtesan turn to look? If you ask about blending the golden cauldron, then you know true flavor is hard.

"Plum Blossom"

Tang · Cui Daorong

Several calyxes first hold snow; its solitary bearing is hard to paint. In its fragrance there is a special charm; being utterly pure, it does not know cold.

Listening to the flute with sorrow, viewing the slanted branch while ill. If the contrary wind understands my meaning, do not easily destroy it.

"Plum Blossom"

Tang · Yu Xin

In the middle of the twelfth month back then, I already felt the plum blossoms were late. I did not believe this spring would come late, so we all came to look among the snow.

The trees stir and hanging ice falls; the branches are high and the outstretched hand is cold. Had I known I would search and not find it, I would truly regret wearing such thin clothes.

"Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow"

Tang · Xiao Gang

How astonishing that the plum blossoms are late; we rush to peek at them in the snow. The lower branches are low and easy to see; the high places are far and hard to know.

All are shy and begrudge baring their wrists, yielding to one another and saying their waists are weak. Surely one must cut and gather them, and learn to make two or three branches.

"Plum Blossom"

Tang · Jiang Weihan

Before the white jade hall stands a tree of plum, and this morning I suddenly see several blossoms open.

How many households have their doors and windows tightly shut; how could spring colors find their way in?

"Early Plum"

Tang · Liu Zongyuan

The early plum blooms on a tall tree, shining back against the blue of Chu's sky. The north wind carries its night fragrance; heavy frost nourishes its morning whiteness.

I want to send it as a gift a thousand miles away, but distant mountains and rivers separate us. The cold blossoms will wither and fall; what use are they to comfort a distant guest?

"Newly Planted Plum"

Tang · Bai Juyi

By the pond I newly planted seven plum trees, and when the flowering time comes I will come to check on them.

Do not fear the envy of the peaches and plums of Changzhou; this year they will bloom well for you, sir.

"Early Plum"

Tang · Zhang Wei

A tree of cold plum with branches like white jade, stands far off by the village beside the creek bridge.

I do not know that the blossoms by the water open first, and suspect it is winter snow not yet melted.

"Miscellaneous Poem, No. 1"

Tang · Wang Wei

You come from my hometown, so you should know the affairs of my hometown.

On the day you came, leaning before the window, had the cold plum put forth blossoms?

"First Acquaintance with Plum Blossom"

Five Dynasties · Lu Zhuan

North of the river is not as warm as the south; Jiangnan breaks the heart of northerners.

Rouge peach cheeks and pear-blossom powder together make up one face of the cold plum.

"Qingping Yue"

Southern Tang · Li Yu

Since we parted, spring is half over, and all that meets the eye breaks the tender heart. Below the steps the fallen plum lies in a snowy tangle; I brushed it off, yet it covered me again.

The wild geese come but bring no word; the road is far and dreams of return are hard to achieve. Parting sorrow is just like spring grass, growing again however far one walks.