Burgundy Plum Tree

Burgundy plum trees produce medium-sized fruit with dark red skin and flesh that is sweet, juicy, and mild in flavor. These plums are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or making preserves. This self-fruitful variety thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring moderate chill hours to produce reliable harvests. Burgundy also serves as an excellent pollinator for other plum varieties. The tree blooms in early spring with beautiful white flowers, adding ornamental charm to its productivity. With its balanced flavor and versatility, Burgundy is a favorite for home orchards.

Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock.

• Zones: 7-9
• Chill hours: 300-400
• Harvest: July-August
• Looks: Maroon-colored skin with semi-freestone flesh.
• Personality: Sweet with little or no tartness and a pleasing, mild flavor.
• Facts of note: The Burgundy Plum is an exciting versatile plum that is not only great tasting, harvests over a long period, but also is one of the best pollinators for your other plum varieties. Named for it's deep dark red flesh like no other. the self-fruitful Burgundy plum has burgundy-colored skin, is a semi-freestone, with sweet dark red burgundy flesh with little or no tartness. This fruit eats well early when the flesh first turns red. At this time the fruit is firm with a great snap and crunch with a slight bite to the skin. Ripening over a 2 month period the fruit continues to improve in sweetness, the bite to the skin goes away and the fruits unique mild flavor grows. This is a top taste test winner in numerous test conducted over the years. Burgundy is an all-purpose home garden plum, delicious for fresh eating, cooking, drying and in jams and jellies. Burgundy has also proven to be one of the best pollinators for other Japanese plums and most all Pluots.
• Pollination: Self-fruitful; pollenizer for most other plums.

The Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree (Prunus salicina 'Burgundy') is a semi-dwarf fruit tree that captivates gardeners and fruit enthusiasts with its exquisite appearance and delectable harvest. This deciduous tree is a prized addition to orchards, gardens, and landscapes, offering not only ornamental value but also a bountiful supply of sweet and juicy plums.

Tree Characteristics

• Semi-Dwarf Stature: The Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree typically attains a manageable height, making it suitable for various garden sizes and spaces. Its semi-dwarf nature allows for easier care and harvesting.

• Burgeoning Blossoms: In early spring, this plum tree graces the landscape with a profusion of delicate, fragrant blossoms. Clusters of beautiful pink or white flowers create a stunning display, attracting pollinators and announcing the forthcoming fruit.

• Foliage and Shape: The tree's leaves are oval and deep green, providing an attractive backdrop for its vibrant blooms and later, its plump fruit. Its growth habit is rounded and compact, offering a neat and symmetrical appearance.

Fruit Production

• Delicious Plums: The Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree produces plums that are renowned for their exceptional flavor and juiciness. These plums are large, often with a deep burgundy or dark purple skin and sweet, firm flesh. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness.

• Harvest Time: Plums on this tree typically ripen in mid to late summer, offering a delightful treat for those eager to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit. The harvest is often abundant, providing ample plums for fresh consumption, canning, or baking.

• Pollination: While Japanese plum trees are typically self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit with their pollen alone, planting another plum tree nearby can enhance fruit production through cross-pollination.

Cultivation and Care

• Sunlight Requirements: The Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

• Well-Draining Soil: Like many fruit trees, this plum tree prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adequate soil preparation and drainage are essential for its health.

• Pruning: Regular pruning, particularly during the dormant season, helps maintain the tree's shape, promote airflow, and encourage fruit production.

Landscaping and Versatility

• Ornamental Value: Beyond its delectable fruit, the Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree contributes to the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes. Its spring blossoms and neatly shaped canopy add ornamental value.

• Space Consideration: Its semi-dwarf nature makes it well-suited for smaller gardens or even container planting, allowing urban gardeners and those with limited space to enjoy homegrown plums.

• Complementary Planting: Consider planting this plum tree alongside other fruit trees or in mixed fruit orchards to diversify your harvest and enhance cross-pollination.

The Burgundy Japanese Plum Tree is a delightful addition to any garden or orchard. Its semi-dwarf stature, stunning blossoms, and delicious plums make it a favorite among both novice and experienced fruit growers. Whether enjoyed fresh, preserved, or incorporated into culinary creations, the plums from this tree are sure to please the palate and add beauty to your landscape.