Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum - Evergreen Trees Direct

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

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

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 5m (approx.) (can be kept smaller by pruning)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

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)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' is a deciduous Japanese plum with an upright, spreading frame. White to pale pink blossom opens in spring before the leaves, drawing bees in numbers. Fruit follows in summer, deep purple red on the outside with amber flesh, fragrant and juicy. Glossy oval leaves fill out the canopy through the growing season.

Full sun and free draining soil give the best crops. It grows quickly, 60 to 90 centimetres a year, and needs winter chill, so cool and temperate districts across southern Australia suit it better than the subtropics. Keep water up while the fruit is sizing. Once established the tree carries moderate dry spells without complaint.

At roughly 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide it earns its space in a home orchard, a mixed edible garden or a productive backyard. It is also the standard pollinator for other Japanese plums, so it does double duty in any planting where a second variety is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Santa Rosa Plum

What is a Santa Rosa Plum?

Santa Rosa is a Japanese plum cultivar, Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa', and probably the most widely grown plum in Australian home gardens. It is deciduous, quick growing and upright to spreading, with white to pale pink spring blossom and medium to large fruit that has purple red skin and sweet amber flesh tinged red near the skin.

How big does Santa Rosa Plum grow?

Around 3 to 4 metres tall with a spread of 2 to 3 metres under normal home garden pruning. The habit is upright first and spreading with age, so the canopy widens as the tree settles. Annual pruning keeps it at a comfortable picking height, and allowing 3 to 4 metres between trees gives each one room.

How fast does it grow?

Fast for a fruit tree, roughly 60 to 90 centimetres a year while young and well watered. That vigour means it comes into bearing quickly, often within two to three years of planting, but it also means the framework needs shaping early. Growth slows once the tree begins carrying serious crops.

Is it self fertile?

Santa Rosa is partly self fertile, so a single tree will produce a crop on its own. Yields improve noticeably where a second Japanese plum such as Mariposa or Satsuma flowers at the same time nearby. It is also the variety most often planted specifically to pollinate other Japanese plums, which is worth knowing when planning a small orchard.

When is the fruit ready to pick?

Fruit ripens through summer, most commonly from late December into January, several weeks after the spring blossom has finished. Pick when the skin has coloured fully and the fruit gives slightly to gentle pressure. Plums do not sweeten much after picking, so leaving them on the tree a few extra days makes a clear difference.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

It suits cool and warm temperate districts with a proper winter, which covers Victoria, Tasmania, the New South Wales tablelands and inland areas, South Australia and the south west of Western Australia. It manages in coastal Sydney and Perth gardens with a lighter crop. Tropical and humid subtropical regions lack the winter chill it needs.

How do I prune and care for it?

Prune in late summer or early autumn while the weather is dry to reduce canker risk, opening the centre and shortening vigorous upright shoots. Water deeply through fruit development, mulch each spring and feed with a balanced fertiliser as growth starts. Thin heavy crops to protect the limbs and net the tree once fruit begins to colour.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

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

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' 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.

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 5m (approx.) (can be kept smaller by pruning)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum frost tolerant?

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

Does Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum Flower?

Prunus salicina ‘Santa Rosa’ produces masses of delicate white blossoms in early spring, often before the leaves emerge. These soft, lightly fragrant blooms create a classic orchard-style display and set the stage for its well-known, richly flavoured red plums.

Does Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum an Australian Native Tree?

No

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum is Native to A Japanese plum cultivar (Prunus salicina), bred in California and now widely grown around the world, including Australia.

What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum ?

Its early-season blossoms attract bees and other pollinating insects essential for fruit formation. The ripening plums provide food for birds, while the branching canopy offers shelter and nesting opportunities, supporting biodiversity in home orchards and edible landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum need?

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

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

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Santa Rosa’ offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs strongly in warm, dry climates and maintains good growth and fruit set with deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells. Steady moisture during flowering and fruit development improves both yield and fruit size.

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How To Plant Your Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow 60cm to 90cm per year (fast) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum in Different Soil

Prunus salicina performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the best time to plant 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree?
A. Planting can be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to give the tree a good start.

Q. How large does a mature 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree grow?
A. A mature 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree typically reaches a size of 4 x 3 meters, but it's important to verify this from a reputable nursery for accurate measurements.

Q. Is 'Santa Rosa' Plum self-pollinating, or do I need another plum tree for cross-pollination?
A. While 'Santa Rosa' Plum is partially self-pollinating, having another plum tree nearby can enhance fruit production. Consider planting a compatible plum variety for cross-pollination.

Q. How often should I prune my 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree?
A. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring is recommended to maintain the tree's shape and encourage fruit-bearing branches.

Q. Are there any common pests or diseases that affect 'Santa Rosa' Plum trees?
A. 'Santa Rosa' Plum trees may encounter pests like aphids and diseases such as brown rot. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can help protect your tree's health.