High Quality Flowering Plum Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Flowering Plum Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Flowering Plum trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Flowering Plum Trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Flowering Plum Trees

1. Can I prune a flowering plum?

You can and should prune a flowering plum tree to promote healthy growth, control its shape and size, and encourage abundant flowering. Here are some general guidelines for pruning flowering plum trees:

• Timing: The best time to prune flowering plum trees is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring before the buds start to swell. Pruning at this time minimizes stress on the tree and allows for better healing of pruning wounds.
• Pruning for shape and size: When pruning for shape and size, aim to create a balanced and open canopy that allows sunlight and air to penetrate the tree's interior. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Shorten long, leggy branches to encourage new growth lower on the tree.
• Pruning for flowering: To encourage abundant flowering, prune away any water sprouts (vertical shoots that grow from the trunk or branches) and any branches that are growing inwards or downwards. These branches can block sunlight and reduce flowering potential.
• Pruning severity: The severity of pruning depends on the age and condition of the tree. For younger trees, focus on shaping the canopy and removing any dead or diseased branches. For older trees, you may need to prune more aggressively to rejuvenate the tree and encourage new growth.

2. What is special about a plum tree?

Plum trees offer a unique combination of beauty, productivity, and cultural significance that sets them apart from other fruit trees. Here are some of the special qualities of plum trees:

1. Beautiful Blossoms: Plum trees are renowned for their early spring blossoms, which adorn the bare branches with a delicate display of color. The blossoms, ranging from white to pink to purple, add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to the landscape.
2. Delicious Fruits: Plums are a versatile and delectable fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. They come in a wide range of flavors, from sweet to tart, and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Plum trees are also known for their abundant production, providing a generous harvest for home consumption or market sales.
3. Ornamental Value: Plum trees not only produce delicious fruits but also enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes. Their graceful form, attractive foliage, and stunning blossoms make them a valuable addition to any outdoor space.
4. Cultural Significance: Plum trees hold a deep cultural significance in many parts of the world, often symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and new beginnings. Their blossoms are a popular motif in art, literature, and folklore, reflecting their enduring cultural relevance.
5. Adaptability: Plum trees are relatively adaptable to various soil types and climates, making them suitable for cultivation in a wide range of regions. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
6. Low-Maintenance Care: Plum trees are generally low-maintenance and require minimal care once established. Regular pruning, watering, and fertilization are essential for maintaining their health and productivity.
7. Environmental Benefits: Plum trees provide valuable ecosystem services by attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which contribute to the overall health of the environment. They also offer shade and habitat for a variety of wildlife.

In summary, plum trees offer a unique combination of beauty, productivity, cultural significance, and adaptability, making them a cherished and valuable addition to gardens, landscapes, and the environment. Their delightful blossoms, abundant fruits, and ornamental value have earned them a special place in the hearts of fruit enthusiasts and gardeners worldwide.

3. How long does it take to turn a plum into a prune?

The process of turning a plum into a prune involves drying the fruit until it loses most of its moisture content. The exact amount of time it takes to dehydrate a plum into a prune depends on the drying method used, the humidity level of the environment, and the size and variety of the plum.

• Sun Drying: Traditional sun drying of plums typically takes several days, up to a week or more, depending on the intensity of sunlight and air circulation. The plums are spread out on drying racks or trays and exposed to direct sunlight during the day. At night, they are covered or brought indoors to protect them from moisture and insects.
• Dehydrator Drying: Using a dehydrator is a faster and more controlled method for drying plums into prunes. The drying time in a dehydrator varies depending on the dehydrator's settings and the size of the plum pieces. Generally, it takes 12 to 24 hours to dehydrate plums into prunes in a dehydrator.
• Oven Drying: Oven drying plums is the quickest method, but it requires careful monitoring to prevent overdrying or burning. The plums are spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dried at a low temperature (around 145°F or 63°C) for several hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying.

Additional Factors:

• Plum Variety: Different plum varieties have varying moisture content and skin thickness, which can affect drying time. Denser plums with thicker skins may take slightly longer to dry than plums with lower moisture content and thinner skins.
• Plum Size: Smaller plum pieces will dry faster than larger ones due to their increased surface area. Cutting plums into smaller pieces can expedite the drying process.
• Humidity Level: Higher humidity levels in the environment can slow down the drying process. If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehydrator or oven drying method for faster results.

Once the plums have reached the desired level of dryness, they are considered prunes. Prunes should be pliable but not sticky, with a wrinkled skin and a chewy texture. Store prunes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve their quality and extend their shelf life.

4. What is the best flowering plum tree?

The best flowering plum tree for you will depend on your individual preferences and growing conditions. However, some of the most popular and highly regarded flowering plum trees include:

• Prunus cerasifera 'Newport': This versatile tree is known for its abundant clusters of pale pink flowers that appear in early spring, followed by small, edible purple plums. It is adaptable to a wide range of climates and grows well in full sun to partial shade.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud': This striking tree features deep purple-black foliage that provides a dramatic backdrop for its white flowers in early spring. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 7 m tall and is tolerant of various soil types and climates.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Purple Pony': This charming dwarf tree is ideal for smaller gardens or containers. It produces a profusion of pink flowers in early spring, followed by small, edible purple plums. It is a low-maintenance tree that is resistant to pests and diseases.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius': This unique tree is prized for its double white flowers that resemble miniature roses. It blooms in early spring and produces small, edible purple plums. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate cold temperatures and various soil types.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Plena': This stunning tree produces double pink flowers that resemble camellias. It blooms in early spring and is a mesmerizing addition to any garden. It is a relatively fast-growing tree that can reach up to 7 m tall.

These are just a few of the many beautiful and rewarding flowering plum trees available. When choosing a flowering plum tree, consider factors such as the size of your garden, your desired flower colour, and your climate conditions. With proper care, your flowering plum tree will provide years of enjoyment with its delicate blooms and attractive foliage.

5. What is the name of the flowering plum?

Flowering plum is the common name for several species of plum trees that are cultivated for their beautiful and fragrant blooms. These trees belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes other popular fruit trees like cherry, peach, and apricot. Some of the most common flowering plum trees include:

• Prunus cerasifera: This species is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its early spring blooms, which range in color from white to pink to purple. It also produces small, edible plums.
• Prunus mume: This species is native to China and Japan and is known for its fragrant, single or double flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. It blooms in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge.
• Prunus triloba: This species is native to China and is valued for its abundant clusters of white flowers that appear in early spring. It also produces small, edible plums.

6. What is the difference between a cherry blossom and a plum blossom?

Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are both beautiful and delicate flowers that are often mistaken for one another. However, there are several key differences between the two.

Appearance:

• Petals: Cherry blossom petals have a small split at the end of each petal, whereas plum blossoms do not have split at the end of each petal.
• Buds: Cherry blossom buds are usually in the shape of an oval, while plum blossom buds are more rounded.
• Flower shape: Cherry blossoms have a more rounded and umbrella-shaped appearance, while plum blossoms are more star-shaped.

Bloom time:

• Cherry blossoms: Cherry blossoms typically bloom in late winter or early spring, before the leaves emerge.
• Plum blossoms: Plum blossoms bloom in late winter or early spring, but they typically bloom slightly earlier than cherry blossoms.

Scent:

• Cherry blossoms: Cherry blossoms have a delicate and sweet fragrance.
• Plum blossoms: Plum blossoms have a stronger and more floral fragrance.

Color:

• Cherry blossoms: Cherry blossoms are typically white or pink, but there are some varieties that are red or purple.
• Plum blossoms: Plum blossoms are typically white or pink, but there are also some varieties that are red or purple.

Uses:

• Cherry blossoms: Cherry blossoms are primarily used for ornamental purposes. They are also used in traditional Japanese culture, where they symbolize beauty, impermanence, and new beginnings.
• Plum blossoms: Plum blossoms are also used for ornamental purposes, but they are also used to produce plum wine and plum vinegar.

In addition to these key differences, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms also have different growing requirements. Cherry trees prefer slightly acidic soil, while plum trees prefer slightly alkaline soil. Cherry trees also require more sunlight than plum trees.