Species Mexican plum

Mexican plum

Prunus mexicana

Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) is a deciduous tree native to Mexico and the American Southwest. It has clusters of fragrant white flowers that appear in the spring, followed by edible plums that are red to purple when ripe. The tree reaches heights of up to 30 feet at maturity, and its bark has a smooth, reddish-brown complexion. Mexican plum is a fast-growing tree that requires full sunlight and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to xeric gardens. The fruits attract wildlife, and the tree provides valuable shelter for birds. Mexican plum is an ideal choice for landscapes, offering colorful blooms, delicious fruit, and year-round interest.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Budding

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red,yellow,orange Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mexican plum likes moist, but not soggy environments. When it comes to watering, it is best to provide a deep, thorough soaking - approximately 1 inch of water - every 7 days. This should be done preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. The soil should be moist, but not saturated. If it remains too wet, it can lead to fungal diseases. Do not water the leaves as this can lead to leaf spot and other blemishes. In periods of intense heat, you will need to increase the amount of water, but make sure the soil is drying out well between each cycle.

sunlight

Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) is best grown in an area that receives full sunlight for 4–6 hours each day. This plant prefers partial to full sunlight and can tolerate some shade, however optimal growth and flowering will occur when the plant is established in a sunny spot. Mexican plum can also tolerate intense heat as long as it is well watered. If possible, it is best to provide the plant with morning sun and afternoon shade to help reduce the risk of sunburn in the summer months.

pruning

For Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana), pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should be light, with the aim to open up the tree's crown, remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out overlapping branches. When pruning, only about 1-third to 1-half of any part of the tree's branching structure should be removed. This ensures that the plant retains a healthy shape. To encourage fruit production, thin out some of the plant's foliage. Cut back any shoots that are growing vertically so there is an open framework for the tree's structure.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mexican plum typically starts flowering in late March or early April.

Harvest Fruit

The Mexican plum typically begins to ripen and be ready for harvesting in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map