Plum Tree Plant Care

Plum Tree (Prunus domestica) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Plum Tree is native to Southwest Asia, Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran. Plum Tree is also known as Plum, European Plum, Common Plum.

Plum Tree displays an upright growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Plum Tree produces small and fragrant white flowers with five petals.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Plum Tree every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Plum Tree thrives in full sun.

Prunus domestica tolerates temperatures of 14–104°F. Plum Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0.. Good drainage is essential for Plum Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plum Tree is suited to USDA Zone 4a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Plum Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Plum Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Plum Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 4a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Plum Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cherry blossom tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Plum Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Plum Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Plum Tree is native to Southwest Asia, Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran.