Complete guide on the characteristics and care of red plum cultivation

Introduction to red plum cultivation

The red plum (Prunus cerasifera and its most popular cultivars, such as 'Pissardii' and 'Nigra') It is one of the most valued ornamental and fruit-bearing deciduous trees in gardens, orchards, and urban spaces. Its decorative qualities are mainly due to the intense purple color of its foliage and the early and spectacular pink or white blooms, which herald spring just as winter is fading away. In addition to its aesthetic value, this compact tree offers edible fruits with interesting nutritional properties.

The resistance of the red plum to various climates, its low maintenance and ease of adaptation making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to combine beauty and productivity. A thorough understanding of its characteristics, needs, and care is key to ensuring its optimal development, health, and generous fruiting.

Origin, distribution and taxonomy

The gender Prunus It includes more than 250 recognized species, including several popular fruit trees such as peach, cherry, apricot, almond, and various types of plum. Red plum trees mainly belong to the species Prunus cerasifera, although there are other cultivars and varieties that have been selected for their ornamental value.

Native to regions of Eastern Europe and Asia (especially the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Persia), it has naturalized and spread throughout the world, adapting to different latitudes and climatic conditions. It is commonly grown in both urban and rural gardens thanks to its moderate growth and persistent color, which stands out against the traditional green of other species.

Botanical characteristics of the red plum tree

The red plum tree stands out for the following morphological characteristics:

• Size: A small or medium-sized tree, usually between 4 and 8 meters tall. Some specimens can slightly exceed this height in optimal conditions, but they rarely reach large dimensions.
• Cup: Rounded or slightly irregular, dense, branched, and tending toward compactness. Young branches are thin, may have thorns, and develop numerous shoots.
• Trunk: Dark, brown or greyish, often with slightly cracked bark.
• Sheets: Deciduous, simple, elliptical, 4 to 8 cm in diameter, with a toothed margin and a color that varies from dark red to purple, violet, or even almost black, depending on the variety. Their distinctive color is due to the presence of pigments such as anthocyanins, which mask the green of chlorophyll.
• Flowers: They appear in late winter or early spring, even before developing leaves. They are solitary or arranged in small clusters and have five rounded petals, usually pink or, less frequently, white. They usually cover the tree completely, creating a very attractive visual spectacle.
• Fruits: Small, deep red or purple drupes, edible but with a rather acidic flavor. They have a hard central pit and usually ripen in summer.

Pigmentation and physiology: Why is a red plum not green?

The absence of predominant green color in the foliage of the red plum tree may be surprising, but the process of photosynthesis remains efficient thanks to the presence of chlorophyll, although hidden by other plant pigments such as anthocyanins, carotenes and xanthophylls, responsible for the reddish, purple or yellow tones.

These pigments, in addition to providing the characteristic coloration, perform functions of protección against intense solar radiation and can contribute to the plant's resistance to environmental stress situations.

Red plum varieties

• Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii': It is the most emblematic and widespread variety due to its dark red or purple foliage. It has a medium height and a balanced canopy.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra': It has very intense black-purple leaves, ideal for contrasts in the garden.
• Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea': Similar to the previous one but with even more reddish or darker shades.
• Other ornamental varieties: There are cultivars with slight differences in color, leaf size, and resistance, all selected for their spectacular ornamental value.

Are red plum plums edible?

The red plums of ornamental plum trees are entirely edible. They are small in size, barely larger than a cherry, and although they are not known for their sweetness, if left to ripen properly or used in compotes and jams, they can provide a pleasant acidic contrast. They are an excellent ingredient for traditional preserves and sweets, taking advantage of the balance between acidity and the added sugar in the preparation.

Uses and applications of the red plum tree

• Ornamental: Used in urban alignments, parks, private and public gardens to provide color and visual contrast, especially in combination with green-leafed species.
• Productive: Although its primary function is decorative, it produces fruits suitable for direct consumption, in confectionery, and prepared as jams.
• Shadow: It can be grown as a tall shrub, hedge or low tree to provide shade in small gardens, patios or terraces.
• Biodiversity: During early flowering, it is an important food source for bees and pollinators.

Ideal growing conditions

To ensure the success of red plum cultivation, it is essential to respect certain environmental and management conditions:

Climate and sun exposure

• Rusticity: Very resistant to cold and winter frosts when dormant. Suitable for both temperate and relatively cold climates. It tolerates exposure to sub-zero temperatures for several days.
• Exhibition: Requires direct sunlight for vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and intense leaf color. It can tolerate partial shade in warm areas or during extreme heat waves, although a lack of light can cause the leaves to turn greenish.
• Wind: It prefers locations protected from strong winds, which can affect the development of young shoots and fruits.

Land

• Sewer system: It is essential to avoid waterlogged or flooded soils. It prefers cool but well-drained soils with a loamy or clayey loam structure.
• pH: It can tolerate levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral and even slightly alkaline. Ideally, it's between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Organic material: It requires soils rich in organic matter for healthy growth.
• Depth: Although its roots are not extremely deep, it thrives on soils with a certain depth and without the presence of compact layers or saline subsoils.

Plantation

The planting is ideally done in late autumn or early springIt is advisable to prepare a large hole where you can place a generous layer of compost or mature manure, thus improving the fertility and condition of the substrate.

In aligned plantations, leave enough space between specimens (minimum four meters) for each tree to freely develop its canopy.

Basic care of the red plum tree

Irrigation

• Juvenile: During the first few years after planting, keep the soil slightly moist to promote rooting.
• Adult: Subsequently, once well established, it has good drought tolerance, with moderate watering being sufficient except in very hot and dry periods or in sandy soils.
• Avoid excess: A waterlogged substrate can cause fungal problems in the roots.
• Summer: During flowering and fruit formation, increase the frequency of watering to avoid water stress and premature fruit drop.

Fertilization and fertilization

• Organic fertilizer: It is sufficient to add compost, worm castings or mature manure every two or three years to maintain fertility.
• Mineral fertilizers: In poor soils, supplement with fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), especially at the beginning of sprouting and during the fruiting phase.
• Caution: Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors vegetative development to the detriment of flowering and fruiting.

Pruning

• Formation pruning: From the early years, orient the tree's structure in the form of a balanced crown (an open crown is the usual), eliminating crossed, injured, or poorly positioned branches.
• Maintenance pruning: Do this in late winter or after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches or suckers.
• Fruiting pruning: It promotes the entry of light and air into the canopy to enhance flowering and reduce the incidence of fungal diseases.
• Does not require severe pruning: Excessive pruning can reduce production and affect the health of the tree.

Multiplication and propagation

• Cutting: It is the simplest and most popular method, using rooting hormones and rich, loose substrate.
• Graft: Professional method to obtain trees with specific characteristics, using compatible rootstocks such as Mirabolano, San Julián or others in the family Prunus.
• Seed: Less recommended due to genetic variability and the long waiting time until fruiting.

Flowering and fruiting

Flowering is very early and exuberant, appearing before the leaves emerge. Under ideal conditions, the tree usually self-fertilizes and sets fruit without the need for another nearby tree, although the presence of several trees can improve yield.

Fruit setting may be compromised by late frosts, although the red plum tree is one of the most resistant ornamental species in this regard.

Pests and diseases of the red plum tree

Although it is robust, the red plum tree can be attacked by various pests and diseases that should be monitored:

• Aphid: A common insect found on tender shoots and the undersides of leaves. It is usually combated with specific insecticides or organic alternatives such as potassium soap.
• Woodlouse: Occasional pest, especially in humid environments. Can be eliminated with specific oils in winter treatments.
• Plum moth: Its larvae can attack fruit. Ecological control is possible using traps or removing affected fruit.
• Gums: A disease caused by fungi or bacteria that produces gummy exudations on the trunk or branches. Remove affected areas and improve drainage.
• Monica: Fungus that causes rot in flowers and fruit. Avoid excess moisture and prune to allow the canopy to air out.
• Rust: Less common foliar disease. Control with fungicides if an outbreak occurs.
• Other pests: Fruit flies, borers, hoplocampa, spider mites and various caterpillars may occur in specific areas.

Prevention is essential: Keep the tree well-ventilated, well-nourished, and watered regularly to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Harvesting and using the fruits

Red plums are harvested in summer, when they reach a deep red color and their flesh yields slightly to pressure, indicating ripeness. Manual harvesting is recommended to avoid damaging the fruits, which are delicate and sensitive to rough handling. To know exactly when to harvest, consult when to pick plums.

Protect your crops from bird attacks by installing nets, especially in urban gardens where birds can pose a significant risk.

Additional recommendations for successful cultivation

• Location: Prioritize areas with good sun exposure and some protection from extreme winds.
• Sewer system: Improve soil structure if it is heavy by adding coarse sand or organic matter.
• Branch management: If production is abundant and branches are at risk of breaking, use temporary supports to prevent damage.
• Maintenance: Remove fallen fruit and diseased branches to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Compatibility: The red plum tree is compatible in rows with cherry, almond, and peach trees, creating a spectacular visual ensemble.

Frequently asked questions about growing red plum trees

1. Can I plant the red plum tree in a pot? Yes, red plum trees can be planted in large pots using rich, well-drained soil. It's essential to monitor watering and fertilize with organic matter each season.
2. How long does a red plum tree live? It can live to be over 70-80 years old if it is in optimal condition and receives proper care.
3. Does it require continuous phytosanitary treatments? Generally, no, except in the case of recurring pests in the area. Prevention and surveillance are usually sufficient.
4. Are the leaves or fruits toxic? The fruits are entirely edible, although the leaves and seeds, as in other fruit trees of the genus, contain compounds unsuitable for consumption.
5. Why are my leaves turning green? The decrease in sunlight can cause the reddish pigmentation to decrease and the green of chlorophyll to predominate.

The red plum tree, in addition to beautifying gardens and providing shade, offers healthy fruit and is a perfect ally in promoting urban and agricultural biodiversity. Hardy, attractive, and rewarding, this tree is a safe bet for those who want to combine ornamentation, harvesting and low maintenance in its green space.