Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum - Evergreen Trees Direct

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Name: Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: PRUSALSANTROS
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1993 in stock

Size: 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 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa', known as the Santa Rosa Plum, is a delightful fruit tree cherished for its sweet, juicy plums and showy spring blossoms. Growing to about 3–4 meters tall and 2–3 meters wide, it forms a well-rounded, productive canopy perfect for home orchards and edible landscapes.

In early spring, this tree is covered with white to light pink flowers that attract pollinators and add beauty to the garden. Its glossy, ovate leaves provide a lush backdrop to the fruiting season. The medium-sized, deep purple plums are delicious fresh or ideal for canning, baking, and preserves.

Thriving in full sun, Santa Rosa Plum requires consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, but is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and abundant harvests. They look excellent planted with companion herbs or flowering groundcovers to support pollinators and enhance garden texture.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' 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 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow Approx. 60 – 90 cm/year (Fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

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.

Native Information

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

Wildlife Value

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.

Sunlight Information

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

Full Sun

Preffered 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.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Santa Rosa Plum

Genus: Prunus

Botanical Species: salicina

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa'

Landscape Uses

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.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Select the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. 'Santa Rosa' Plum thrives in full sun.
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Position the Tree: Place the 'Santa Rosa' Plum tree in the hole at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with Soil: Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, give the tree a deep watering to help settle the soil and provide moisture for the roots.

Feature Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart to allow full fruiting canopy

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used for screening

Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 5 m apart for structured orchard-style planting

Caring for Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum

Caring for 'Santa Rosa' Plum ensures you enjoy the best of both its ornamental beauty and delicious fruit:

1. Pruning:

Annual Pruning: Perform annual pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree's shape and encourage healthy fruit production.

2. Fertilization:

Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to provide essential nutrients for plum growth.

3. Thinning Fruit:

Fruit Thinning: As this plum tree can be heavy-bearing, thinning the fruit during the growing season helps ensure plump, high-quality plums.

4. Pest and Disease Management:

Monitoring: Keep a watchful eye for common plum pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly to safeguard your tree's health.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of conditions:

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

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—improve 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 'Santa Rosa' Plum is expected to grow Approx. 60 – 90 cm/year (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)
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Sydney & Central Coast
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 ‘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.

Flowering Information

Does Prunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' Plum flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

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.

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