The Purpleleaf Plum should be grown in full sun on well-drained, acid soil to bring out the richest leaf color. It tolerates slightly alkaline soil. Tolerant of moderate heat and drought, it often succumbs to borers on poor, compacted soil.
How long do purple plum trees last?
The purpleleaf plum is a relatively short-lived tree, lasting only around 20 years, and it requires a bit of maintenance.
What is the best fertilizer for plum trees?
Best Plum Tree Fertilizer Reviews
- Jobe’s Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spike 4-6-6. Best For Potted Trees.
- Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix 6-3-3. Best Organic Dressing.
- Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Nut Granular Fertilizer 3-5-5.
- Miracle-Gro Citrus, Plum, & Mango Food 6-4-6.
- Miracle-Gro Fruit Food Spikes 15-5-10.
How do you fertilize a purple plum tree?
Water them every two to three weeks during dry, hot conditions. Fertilize purple leaf plum trees in spring with 1/2 cup of 12-6-6 fertilizer if growth is slow. In sited in fertilized lawns, they probably don’t need additional fertilizer.
Why is my purple plum tree dying?
A dying or diseased plum tree can be caused by bugs or pests, rain, mildew, bacteria, hot and cold weather, frost, no pollination, too much water, or a lack of water. Plum trees are resilient trees and there are many ways to treat bugs and diseases.
Do purple plum trees lose their leaves?
Purple Leaf Plum Tree Characteristics
The plum tree classifies as a medium-sized, deciduous tree, meaning it drops its leaves at the end of the growing season.
What month do plum trees produce fruit?
Plum trees are usually in fruit between June and September after blooming between late winter and early spring. In comparison with dwarf varieties, descendants can produce fruit a year earlier (2 to 5 years after planting the plants).
Is Epsom salt good for fruit trees?
If you have some fruit trees, a boost in magnesium will do them a world of good. Epsom Salt is used on fruit trees or vegetables to help them yield larger, sweeter, and more fruits. It works great also for nut trees and fruit shrubs.
What time of year do you prune plum trees?
spring
When to prune plums. Avoid pruning plums in winter, as it increases the risk of infection by silver leaf disease to which plums and other Prunus species are prone. The best time for pruning is usually spring for young trees and mid-summer for established ones.
Do plum trees require a lot of water?
Young plum trees need to be watered at least once a week to promote healthy root growth. Once the tree is established, it requires regular watering, especially in the dry summer months. Deeply water your plum tree once every two to four weeks.
How do you look after a plum tree?
Grow plum trees in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Prune in summer and mulch in autumn with home-made compost or well-rotted animal manure. Harvest the plums when ripe and juicy.
Are coffee grounds good for plum trees?
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper, all of which are essential to fruit trees. They also raise the pH level in the soil, which is good for the health of the plant. Most fruit trees require slightly acidic soil, so adding coffee grounds will help them thrive.
How do I get more fruit on my plum tree?
There are steps you can take to prevent the problem of no fruit on plum trees. Keep weeds and grass away from the base of a tree. Provide good irrigation and a fertilizing program appropriate for fruiting trees. Fertilizers higher in phosphorus will help with blooming and fruiting.
Why are the leaves on my plum tree going yellow?
Lack of water – trees in pots need regular watering as they dry out quicker and do not catch as much rain water as plants and trees in the ground. Small pots – are the pots big enough? Nutrient deficiencies – as with watering, trees in pots need regular feeding to give them the nutrients they require to grow.
Can you use Miracle Grow on fruit trees?
Key Features. Miracle-Gro has tree spikes specially formulated for trees, shrubs, evergreens, fruit, citrus, and palm trees. They should be used annually, in the spring and early fall, for a continuous release of nutrients.
Are purple leaf plum trees messy?
Purple Leaf Plum Care
This tree also benefits from regular feeding and pruning. It can be a messy tree if fruit forms in spring. It’s best to plant this tree away from walkways and other sites in your yard that get a lot of foot traffic, so you are not walking on the fruit.
What do plum trees need to grow?
Plum trees need full sun to produce sweet fruit, so pick a planting site that gets at least six hours a day. For soil, they prefer loamy, well-draining soil rich with organic matter.
Do plum trees lose leaves in winter?
Throughout its hardiness zones, purple leaf plum drops its leaves in fall and needs no extra protection against winter lows. But at the mild end of its growing zones, unexpected highs and lows can warrant stepping in to save the clusters of 1-inch blossoms that appear before purple leaves unfurl.
How long do plum trees last?
10-25 years
Plum | 10-25 years*
Why are the leaves on my plum tree turning brown?
Rust affecting plum trees is caused by the fungus Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae. It’s normally first noticed in August time with the underside of the leaves having a rusty-brown coating to them.
How long does it take for a plum tree to bear fruit?
three to six years
Plum trees typically begin to bear fruit when they are three to six years of age. Fruit develops earlier in some varieties and you even see baby plums begin to appear earlier in age.