Prunus spp. Midsummer. Uncertain parentage (thought to be P. simonii × P. sal.). Luther Burbank intro, California, 1899.
Although Shiro’s parentage is unclear—it may be a pure Japanese type—it’s hardy in much of Maine, especially along the coast and Portland south. The 1½" round-conic thin-skinned fruit is light yellow, deepening as the season progresses and sometimes colored with a pinkish blush. The sweet chin-dribbling light-yellow translucent flesh is so juicy it might soak your shirt. Or skip the mess and jam or can them.
Broadly spreading picturesque tree will eventually span 30' or more but tops off at only 10 or 12'. Z5. Maine Grown.BACK! (3–6' bare-root trees)
Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered
on or before March 7 will ship around March 26
through late April, starting with warmer areas and finishing in
colder areas. Orders placed after March 7 will
ship around late April through early-to-mid May, in the order in
which they were received.
Extremely hardy crosses between various Asian and
American species; may fruit even after severe winters.
Hybrid plum fruiting can be inconsistent but it’s worth the
trouble!
Warmer areas will see longer bloom times. Cold late springs may force
blooming all at once. Both of these conditions can be optimal for plum
crops. At other times, it can be a little hit or miss. Bloom times are
similar for all the varieties we offer.
Hybrid plums are less susceptible to black knot than European plums and
have
few issues other than Japanese beetle and plum curculio attraction.
At maturity, hybrid plums are roughly 15–20' tall.
Growing Hybrid Plums
Soil: Prefers well-drained fertile soil.
Sun: Full.
Pollination: Requires a second variety. We
recommend
planting at least 4 different varieties close together. Including an
American Plum Seedling in your grove can help ensure pollination.
