dwarf plum

The dwarf plum (Prunus domestica 'Stanley') should be watered about once a week during the growing season--April to October. During the winter, it requires little to no water. When watering an individual plant, ensure the soil is evenly moist and avoid overwatering which can cause root rot. During the growing season, water the plant deeply, about 1 inch of water per week should do. Water in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage. Water the individual plants around the base of the trunk rather than watering the entire bed at once. If you are uncertain how much water your plants need, use a soil tester to check the soil's moisture level.

Dwarf plum (Prunus domestica 'Stanley') needs full sunlight for most of the day to thrive, and plenty of it. It prefers between 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area where the sun is strong and can reach the foliage of the plant easily, it is best to keep the dwarf plum in a spot where it will receive sun for the entire day. If you live in an area with less intense sunlight or greater levels of shade, it may be best to keep the plum in an area that will expose it to the sun for at least 6 hours. Avoid shady areas and locations on the east or north sides of buildings.

Dwarf Plum (Prunus domestica 'Stanley') should be pruned in early spring, starting when the tree is about 3 to 5 years old. Pruning is important for this species to promote plenty of flowering and fruiting, and to maintain a compact and uniform shape. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as any crossing or excessively weak branches. To encourage dense fruiting and branching, thin out the growth and prune back any longer branches to the desired shape. To help maintain a tree of manageable size, remove any suckers or water shoots as they appear. Finally, remove any stubs from the previous season’s pruning. Proper pruning of a Dwarf Plum will lead to a healthier and more productive tree.