Flowering Plum Tree

A flowering plum tree is used for decorative purposes in many landscaping designs. It is a medium sized tree that will reach 20 to 25 feet in height, with a crown of 15 feet that comes to life in every spring and summer time. Ornamental flowering plum tree is a must for all those who like their landscape to go through transitions of colors and sing a different tune at the change of every season.

Flowering Plum Tree Facts
Flowering plum tree varieties include both native and introduced, as well as many hybrids. The variety includes Newport plum tree, Purple Pony plum tree, Japanese flowering plum tree, White flowering plum tree, ornamental purple leaf flowering plum tree, double flowering plum tree, etc. The leaves are broad and flat, less than 5" long. They are fine in texture and double toothed with small dense veins. Springtime sees the plum tree filled with clusters of white, pink or purple bloom that last several days. The flowers are sweet smelling with ability to spread their fragrance to quite a distance. The leaves sprout after the bloom fades away from the trees. With the approach of summer time, the leaves of the flowering plum tree will change color from glossy green to deep, bright burgundy. The change in the foliage color leaves an everlasting impression on the eyes of the beholder. The fruits begin to appear late in the summer. The juicy fruits grow in clusters and are held together lightly. The fruits are small in size and upon reaching maturity turn red, pink or have tinges of purple.

Flowering Plum Tree Care
Flowering plum trees are easy to grow and maintain. Good well drained soil, slightly acidic soil with a pH balance between three and six will result in good flower, as well as fruit production. They are not that fussy about soil, however, avoid places where water tends to stagnate. Young plants are especially partial to moist and well drained soils. A sunny or a partially shaded location is best for growing a plum tree. Young plants need more water than established ones. Once the tree is established, water as per requirement. Fertilize before the flower bloom begins, and reduce when the tree has borne fruit and is in its dormant period. Read more growing plum trees.

Flowering Plum Tree Diseases
The most common disease that can affect flowering plum tree is the black knot. This disease can cause extensive damage to the entire tree, at times it may even kill it. Black knot is a fungus that occurs as black, rough galls or knots on the succulent stems and branches. It grows in the spring by the spores spread by air from any nearby tree that has been infected with black knot. The knots first appear in green color and look like swelling in the stems, if unchecked, they infect the older branches and stems turning them black and hard. To deal with this fungus, remove the knots as soon as they appear. Cut the infected branch or trunk, and dispose them with proper care. As spring is the season the fungus is most active in propagating, all damage control measure need to be taken before spring sets in. An application of lime and sulfur, or any other fungicide will not only help eliminate the infection, but will also curb its spread.

Flowering Plum Tree Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and training the tree to a desired size. Start pruning to shape young trees, just make sure you don't cut the main branch. Just snip out a few lateral steams to either maintain a design or encourage strong growth. The best time to prune a flowering plum tree is during their dormant period. Remove all diseased, damaged and weak branches. If a well shape crown is what you are aiming for then prune lower branches, or in dense crowns cut away some of the larger branches at the top of the tree. Use sharp garden tools like shears, lopping shears, hand saws, etc to get a good job done. For well established trees ask for professional help if you are not too sure about the way to go. Read more on pruning plum trees.

Fruitless flowering plum trees are for those who want to enjoy the tree's bloom, but not its yield. A few varieties include Purple Pony dwarf flowering plum tree, double flowering plum, etc. The beautiful blooms that appear before the leaves will show out beautifully in your landscape.