Fruit Trees

Santa Rosa plum

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa'

Santa Rosa is a Japanese plum grown for white spring flowers and edible summer fruit. In Southwest Washington, it can serve as a home orchard tree or fruiting specimen where full sun and room for a rounded crown are available. Standard trees generally mature at about 20 to 33 feet tall and 15 to 30 feet wide; rootstock and training can change that size, including growth during the first ten years. Plant in moist, well-drained loam, avoiding sites that stay saturated. Wet bloom periods can favor brown rot, so allow airflow and plan for regular orchard care.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 20–33 ft on standard trees
Mature spread: About 15–30 ft on standard trees
Light: Full sun
Hardiness: Generally USDA Zones 5–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Place Santa Rosa where its spring bloom and summer fruit can be enjoyed and harvested. Its rounded crown suits a home orchard or edible landscape with room for a mature tree.

Where to plant

Choose a full-sun site with space for the crown and access for pruning and harvest. Set final spacing based on the rootstock and training method.

Through the seasons

White flowers appear in spring, followed by edible plums in summer. Harvest timing can vary with local conditions.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Wet spring weather in Southwest Washington can increase brown rot pressure during bloom. Confirm pollination partners, chilling needs, and rootstock suitability when selecting a tree locally.

Soil, drainage & water

Plant in moist, well-drained loam. Avoid ground that remains saturated.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Train young branches for a sound framework, then prune to admit light and keep fruit within reach. Remove mummified fruit and affected twigs when managing brown rot.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Brown rot

Blighted blossoms, rotting fruit, twig dieback, or fruit that dries and remains on the tree.

Help your plant thrive

Remove mummified fruit, prune for airflow, and follow regional fruit disease guidance if symptoms develop.

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