Burgundy Plum
Prunus salicina 'Burgundy'
Burgundy
About this plant
The Burgundy plum is a popular fruit tree known for its dark red to purple plums that are sweet and juicy. It blooms with white flowers in spring and produces fruit in late summer. This cultivar is appreciated for its reliable fruiting and attractive appearance in gardens.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Prunus
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Higher classification
- Rosales
- Plant type
- Tree
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- China, Japan
- Distribution
- Widely grown in temperate regions worldwide, especially in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 5–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- -20 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 5-9
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining loam
Watering. Water regularly during dry spells, especially when fruit is developing. Avoid overwatering to prevent root problems.
Fertilizing. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts and again after fruit harvest to support healthy development. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can reduce fruit quality.
The Burgundy plum tree is fairly easy to care for but needs full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. It requires regular watering during dry periods but dislikes waterlogged soil. Pruning after harvest helps maintain shape and encourages healthy fruit production.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Grafting, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring
Attractive white spring flowers and deep red-purple fruit. The tree has a rounded form with green leaves that turn yellow in fall.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
The fruit is safe to eat, but seeds contain small amounts of compounds that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Keep seeds away from children and pets.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Moderate
This plant produces pollen that may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially during its flowering period. People with pollen allergies should limit exposure during spring when it blooms. The fruit is generally safe to handle and eat.
Common problems
Common problems include fungal diseases like brown rot and pests such as aphids or plum curculio. Overwatering can cause root rot, while insufficient sunlight reduces fruit yield.
Uses
Grown mainly for its delicious edible fruit. Also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.
Notes
Prune annually to remove dead or crowded branches and improve air circulation. Protect young trees from late frosts. Repotting is not applicable as it is grown in the ground outdoors.