Elephant Heart Plum Tree - Prunus salicina

Elephant Heart Plum Tree (Prunus salicina)

The Elephant Heart Plum Tree produces remarkably large, heart-shaped stone fruits with exceptional sweetness and juiciness that ripen in autumn. This Japanese heirloom variety bears fruit earlier in the season than European plums and yields abundant harvests of firm, delicious plums perfect for fresh eating straight from the tree. When you buy Elephant Heart Plum online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're investing in a vigorous, disease-resistant specimen that thrives in home gardens for both beginners and experienced growers alike.

Landscaping Uses

Plant your Elephant Heart Plum Tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil, positioning it where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This tree performs best when sheltered from strong winds and situated on south or west-facing slopes. While it tolerates urban pollution well, avoid low-lying areas prone to late spring frosts, which can damage early blooms and reduce fruit production.

Specifications

Height: 15–20 feet
Width: 12–15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to vigorous
Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Water: Regular, deep watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Soil: Well-drained loam
USDA Zones: 5–9

Why Homeowners Love It

• Produces exceptionally large, sweet, and juicy plums ideal for fresh eating
• Reliably heavy cropping with consistent annual yields
• Earlier ripening season compared to standard European varieties
• Vigorous growth habit with natural disease resistance and minimal pest issues

Planting & Care

Dig a hole approximately 18 inches deep and wide, place your tree in the planting hole, backfill with soil while removing air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle roots. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season, then maintain consistent moisture during the growing period through early fall. In late winter of the second year, begin annual pruning to encourage horizontal branching and remove weak or downward-growing limbs. Fertilize twice yearly—once in spring and again at midsummer—using a balanced formula like 10-10-10, applying it 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk.