Plum Trees
Filters
American Plum Tree
American Plum Tree: Vibrant Blooms & Juicy Plums Year After Year In just a few short years you’ll be stepping into your backyard being greeted...
View full detailsExplore our collection of plum fruit trees for sale and imagine the delight of harvesting your own juicy plums right from your backyard.
With a variety of plum types to choose from, our selection is designed to cater to your personal taste and gardening ambitions.
Choose your favorite type of plum from our selection of plum trees, and start growing your own delicious fruit today.
Characteristics of Plum Trees
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Height | Ranges from small shrubs to trees reaching 20 to 33 feet in height. |
Branch Type | Some species feature drooping branches; others are more upright. |
Flower Buds | Borne on short spurs or along terminal shoots of main branches. |
Flowers Per Bud | 1 to 5 flowers, with 2 or 3 being most common. |
Bloom Appearance | Densely packed, showy flower clusters during full bloom. |
Flower Structure | Features a hypanthium bearing the sepals, petals, and stamens, surrounding a single pistil. |
Fruit Development | Post-fertilization, the hypanthium falls off, leaving the ovary to develop into a drupe with a fleshy exterior and a seed-enclosing pit. |
Fruit Characteristics | Exhibits a wide range of size, flavor, color, and texture. |
Pruning Requirement | Minimal pruning needed as trees come into bearing; essential for disease and pest control in home fruit gardens. |
Benefits of Plum Tree
Growing plum trees offers more than just fresh fruit. Here are three key benefits.
First, they improve your garden's ecosystem. Why? Because plum trees attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing overall garden health.
Next, they are easy to maintain. Once established, plum trees require minimal care, making them great for busy gardeners.
Finally, Plum trees beautifiy your space. Their blossoms in spring add color and fragrance, enhancing your garden's aesthetic appeal.
Choosing The Right Plum Tree
Plum Tree Type | Blossoming Season | Harvest Time | Cross-Pollination Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
American Plum Tree | Early spring | August - September | Required |
European Plum Trees | Late spring | August - September | Not necessary |
Japanese Plum Trees | Early spring | May - July | Required |
Regardless of whether you pick an American, European or Japanese plum tree, you're looking at around 140 to 170 days from flower to fruit. Patience is key, but the wait is totally worth it when you get to bite into your very own juicy plums.
Care For Plum Trees
Taking care of your plum trees isn't hard, but it's important to get it right so you can enjoy loads of fruit. Here's a straightforward guide on how to keep your plum trees happy and healthy.
Start by choosing the right location. Plum trees thrive in full sunlight and prefer soil with a pH level of around 6.5. Try to avoid areas that are too low and might get hit by late frosts.
How to Plant Plum Trees
- Plant bareroot and potted plum trees in spring.
- Dig a hole about twice as big as the root ball.
- Place the tree at the same depth it was growing at the nursery.
- Water the tree well after planting. During their first year, water plum trees when the soil starts drying out. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Pollination
- Know if your plum tree variety is self-pollinating or needs a friend. For example, the Stanley Plum doesn't need a pollinator.
- Check tree descriptions from suppliers like Gurney's to see if a second tree is needed for pollination.
Pruning
- The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, but early summer works, too.
- Prune to improve fruit production and increase light and air flow.
- Use a modified central leader system for European plums and an open-vase system for Japanese plums. Prune American plums like shrubs or small trees, focusing on removing dead or damaged branches.
- Don't remove more than 25% of the tree's branches in a single pruning session.
Landscaping and Design Ideas For Plum Tree
Plum trees can transform your garden both with their beauty and bounty.
Create a focal point. Plant a plum tree in a central location to draw the eye. Its spring blossoms and summer fruits add charm and interest.
Edible landscape. Incorporate plum trees into your edible garden design. They provide shade and delicious fruits, doubling the benefits.
Border planting. Use plum trees to create natural borders along your property. They offer privacy and a beautiful boundary of flowers and fruit.
Sustainability Practices For Plum Tree
Caring for plum trees can also be good for the planet. Here's how you can grow them sustainably:
- Use organic mulch. Mulching conserves water and reduces weeds. It breaks down into nutrients that feed the tree.
- Harvest rainwater. Collecting rainwater to irrigate your plum trees saves tap water and is better for your plants.
- Plant companion plants. Certain flowers and herbs deter pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Where to Buy Plum Trees
When you're set to buy plum trees online, considering a few pivotal points can substantially affect their future growth and fruit production. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Local Climate
- Understanding your local climate is crucial. Select a plum tree variety that is known to thrive in your area's weather conditions, ensuring it can adapt and flourish once planted.
- Timing for Planting
- Aim to plant your plum tree in late winter or early spring. During this period, the tree is dormant, which minimizes planting shock and promotes healthier adaptation to its new environment.
- Ideal Location
- Choosing the right spot for your plum tree is vital for its growth and fruit-bearing capabilities.
After you've decided on the perfect plum tree, you can conveniently purchase it online with free shipping at PrivacyShrubs.
We offer a wide selection of both European and Japanese plum trees, ready to be shipped directly to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do plum trees grow best?
- Plum trees grow best in warm, sheltered spots that get plenty of sunlight, making them one of the first fruits to bloom each year. However, their blossoms are sensitive to frost and strong winds, which can hurt the flowers and keep pollinators away, so it's important to avoid places where heavy frosts or strong winds are common.
- What climate do plums grow best in?
- Plum trees are hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9, which means you can grow them in many parts of the United States. The USDA zone rating helps gardeners understand the coldest temperatures a plant can handle to survive winter.
- Which plum tree is easiest to grow?
- The Methley Plum stands out as an exceptionally versatile variety, capable of setting fruit in zones 4 through 11, making it a standout choice for a wide range of climates. Not only are plums relatively low-maintenance, but they're also among the easiest fruit trees to prune for size control, appealing to gardeners of all skill levels.