Japanese plum

Japanese plum Care

Prunus salicina

What is the plant

Prunus salicina is a small flowering tree native to China. It is commonly called Chinese or Japanese plum. Due to its fruits, which are larger than those of an ordinary plum, the tree is popular in Japan, the USA, Israel, Korea, Vietnam, and Australia.

Prunus salicina is a species of the Rosaceae family, can grow up to 10 m (33 ft) tall, and has dark red shoots and leaves with serrated edges. In early spring, the tree blooms, and flowers with five white petals appear. The fruits are 4–7 cm (1–2 in) in diameter and have yellow-pink flesh.
The tree flourishes best in mild climates, so it is less cold-hardy than other varieties.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

-6°C - 19°C

Hardiness zone

5a - 10

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The tree is watered once a week during the first growing season. In the summer, it's a good idea to wet the soil 20 cm (8 inches) once every few days.
Pruning
Extra branches should be cut in spring and summer in order to create a balance between the old and new parts of the tree.
Fertilizer
If the tree is young, it is fed with nitrogen fertilizer in March, May, and July. Fertilizer for fruit trees with instructions on the package is suitable for adult trees.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
For the successful development of the tree, 6-8 hours of sunlight each day is recommended.
Soil
The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.8), well-drained and loamy, with organic matter.
Propagation
Place the cut end in the rooting solution for five seconds, then set aside for a month to wait for roots.

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Temperature
Prunus salicina grows best in warm climates with a short winter season and moderate temperatures. The lowest temperature the tree can withstand is 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius).
Container
Until the moment of planting in the ground, the tree can be in a pot of suitable size.
Fun fact
In China and Japan, Prunus salicina is used as a flavoring agent for liqueurs.