Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum

Name: Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: PRUSALMAR40cm/45L
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa', or Mariposa Plum, is a compact and flavorful fruit tree prized for its sweet, juicy plums and stunning spring blossoms. Growing to 2–3 meters tall and wide, it fits perfectly in small gardens, containers, or edible landscapes where space is limited but productivity is desired.

In early spring, the tree bursts into pink to white flowers that add a lovely splash of color and fragrance. Glossy, ovate leaves create a lush backdrop to the vibrant purple plums, which are large, round, and excellent for fresh eating, baking, or preserves.

Thriving in full sun with 6–8 hours of light daily, the Mariposa Plum prefers consistent watering during fruit development but is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact form and encourages healthy fruiting. They look excellent when planted alongside pollinator-friendly flowers or low-growing herbs that complement their size and support garden biodiversity.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m - 5m Approximately (can be kept smaller by pruning)

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum is expected to grow Approx. 50 – 80 cm/year (Moderate to Fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum frost tolerant?

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Prunus salicina ‘Mariposa’ produces masses of soft white blossoms in early spring, often before the foliage emerges. These delicate blooms create a beautiful orchard-style display and are followed by large, dark red plums with sweet, richly flavoured blood-red flesh.

Native Information

Is Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum an Australian Native? No

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum is Native to A Japanese plum cultivar (Prunus salicina), bred and grown widely in Australia, originally derived from East Asian species.

Wildlife Value

Its early-spring blossoms attract bees and beneficial pollinating insects essential for fruit formation. The ripening plums provide a seasonal food source for birds, while the branching canopy creates shelter and light nesting opportunities, supporting biodiversity in edible gardens and mixed orchards.

Sunlight Information

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Prunus salicina ‘Mariposa’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy or poorly drained clay unless improved with coarse material and organic matter to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong growth, healthy root development and reliable fruiting.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Mariposa Plum

Genus: Prunus

Botanical Species: salicina

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Prunus salicina 'Mariposa'

Landscape Uses

Edible Garden
Feature Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum works in an:

Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun.
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and place the tree at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve soil moisture.

Feature Planting: Space 2 – 3 m apart to allow for fruit production and canopy spread

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable

Avenue Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart for a productive, structured row

Caring for Prunus salicina 'Mariposa':

Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruit production.
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy fruit development.
Enjoy the beautiful blossoms in spring and the sweet, juicy plums in summer for fresh eating or culinary use.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a range of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains less moisture—add compost to improve water retention and nutrients.

Clay Soil: Can become waterlogged—amend with organic matter and sand to enhance drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for root development and consistent fruiting.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, but adaptable to slight pH variations.

Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum is expected to grow Approx. 50 – 80 cm/year (Moderate to Fast).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Inland QLD (Darling Downs, Central QLD)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Mariposa’ offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in warm, dry conditions and maintains healthy growth and fruit set with deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development significantly improves yield and quality.

Flowering Information

Does Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' Plum flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Pink

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to harvest Mariposa Plums?
Mariposa Plums are typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer when they reach their full size, and the skin turns deep purple.
Can 'Mariposa' Plum be grown in containers?
Yes, it can be grown in large containers or pots, making it suitable for patios and small spaces.
Is it self-pollinating or does it require a pollinator tree?
While it can produce fruit on its own, having another plum tree nearby for cross-pollination can enhance fruit production.