Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Height Guide

These heights are approximate. Batches change frequently, so if you need exact heights, we recommend confirming current batch heights with our sales team.

Why Choose This Tree for Your Landscape?

Exceptionally Sweet & Juicy Fruit – Produces large, deep red plums with amber-colored flesh and a rich, tangy-sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and baking.

Early to Mid-Season Harvest – One of the first plums to ripen, typically early to mid-summer.

Self-Pollinating & High Yielding – Does not require another plum tree but performs even better with a pollinator such as 'Mariposa' or 'Satsuma'.

Showy Spring Blossoms – Covered in fragrant white flowers in early spring, adding ornamental beauty to gardens and landscapes.

Compact, Manageable Size – Can be pruned to maintain a smaller shape, making it perfect for backyards, small gardens, and urban settings.

Heat & Drought Tolerant – Once established, it thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires minimal watering.

Vibrant Autumn Foliage – Green leaves turn golden-yellow in fall, adding seasonal interest.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains less moisture—add compost to improve water retention and nutrients.

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—improve with organic matter and sand to enhance drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for root development and consistent fruiting.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, but adaptable to slight pH variations.

Caring for Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Caring for 'Santa Rosa' Plum ensures you enjoy the best of both its ornamental beauty and delicious fruit:

1. Pruning:

• Annual Pruning: Perform annual pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree's shape and encourage healthy fruit production.

2. Fertilization:

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to provide essential nutrients for plum growth.

3. Thinning Fruit:

• Fruit Thinning: As this plum tree can be heavy-bearing, thinning the fruit during the growing season helps ensure plump, high-quality plums.

4. Pest and Disease Management:

• Monitoring: Keep a watchful eye for common plum pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly to safeguard your tree's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the best time to plant 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree?
A. Planting can be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to give the tree a good start.

Q. How large does a mature 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree grow?
A. A mature 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree typically reaches a size of 4 x 3 meters, but it's important to verify this from a reputable nursery for accurate measurements.

Q. Is 'Santa Rosa' Plum self-pollinating, or do I need another plum tree for cross-pollination?
A. While 'Santa Rosa' Plum is partially self-pollinating, having another plum tree nearby can enhance fruit production. Consider planting a compatible plum variety for cross-pollination.

Q. How often should I prune my 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree?
A. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring is recommended to maintain the tree's shape and encourage fruit-bearing branches.

Q. Are there any common pests or diseases that affect 'Santa Rosa' Plum trees?
A. 'Santa Rosa' Plum trees may encounter pests like aphids and diseases such as brown rot. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can help protect your tree's health.