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Santa Rosa Plum
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Santa Rosa Plum

98 ReviewsAsk Questions
$39.99
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Description

Beautiful, large, red fruits with gold flesh. This big producer developed by Luther Burbank bears sweet plums that are delicious when eaten fresh, cooked or canned. The tree is vigorous and easy-to-grow. Originates from Santa Rosa, California in 1906. Heat-tolerant. Clingstone. Ripens in July. Self-pollinating.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest July
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 3 - 6
Zone Range 5 - 9

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 5 - 9
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Standard 18 - 20' tall x 18 - 20' wide
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Standard 18 - 20'
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15'

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow plum trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Read about how to grow plum trees »

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

Tags

We've 'tagged' this item with specific keywords that help you find other products that share features or characteristics with this one. Select a tag below to view all the items that have that particular trait.

Questions & Answers

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Browse 37 questions Browse 37 questions and 103 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Qualities of the tree
Diana A on Oct 16, 2020
Wanted to add a different type of plum to my orchard
Dave C. on Oct 2, 2020
Qualities of the tree
Diana A on Oct 16, 2020
good local results
JAMES J on Oct 4, 2020
Wanted to add a different type of plum to my orchard
Dave C. on Oct 2, 2020
It sounds like a wonderful plum...
Angel S on May 21, 2020
Dwarf, self-pollinating
Falan M on May 20, 2020
We had one before at another house and it was the BEST plum!
Robin P on May 13, 2020
Because of your reputation and my success with your trees.
C L on May 10, 2020
Easy to use and plant in a pot
Jaime P on Apr 26, 2020
Good eating fruit.
David P on Mar 2, 2020
We like Santa Rosa Plum; chose dwarf so that fruit is easier to harvest.
RICHARD F on Feb 24, 2020
Love plums and it grows in my zone
Kathleen W on Feb 22, 2020
Self pollinating.
Sophie on Feb 20, 2020
Zone compatible
William R on Feb 19, 2020
We are planting this tree in for Robert Belinda who died in January. He was a Vietnam Veteran who was a Door Gunner in the 11 Armored Cavalry in 1968.He was also a member of our PTSD Group in the Brooklyn VA Hospital and will plant this tree in his honor in garden run by veterans on the hospital campus. His life wasn't easy after Vietnam and a sweet fruit tree now to sweeten a somewhat bitter life. Your company could start a program, "Tree for a Veteran"
Thank you,
Dennis Graham
Dennis G on Feb 18, 2020
Like fruit
Phonechaleun D on Feb 17, 2020
have heard it is a popular and good tasting plum,
STEVE J on Jan 27, 2020
Luther Burbank variety
RENEE K on Jan 23, 2020
I have grown this verity before and liked them
Gaylen E on Jan 13, 2020
Your description
Betty W on Jan 12, 2020
Suits my zone. Memorial tree in honor of my mother.
Amy R on Jan 11, 2020
x pollination
GARY H on Jan 2, 2020
Dwarf
Dennis J on Dec 21, 2019
This type of plum tree listed as a cross pollination recommendation when i purchased the Elephant Heart plum tree last year.
Chris S on Dec 10, 2019
I have a yellow plum and purple plum tree in my orchard. The purple tree usually produces ONE OR TWO plums. I am going to cut it down and replace it.
DEFORD C on Oct 13, 2019
I sent it as a gift and wanted a fruit the whole family would enjoy. It???s good for their, self pollinating, and a beautiful flowering tree
Esther O on Oct 4, 2019
Heirloom
Derrell V on Jul 26, 2019
because they have been around for a long time and have a reputation of doing well and tasting delicious
NINA R on May 13, 2019
I have grown this type before and they were great.
Richard T on Apr 27, 2019
Santa Rosa is a tried and true plum, according to "Plant a Little Fruit Tree" author. I hope, dare I say, expect, that it will do well in my garden, dealing with the pruning and space that I have.
CATHERINE L H on Apr 18, 2019
I have some already, 100+ years old. Sweet plums.
Travis D on Apr 11, 2019
Local nurseries used to carry them, now they don't when I'm ready to buy. I've purchased a Black Arkansas Apple from Stark Bros. in the past , and tree still produces. Prices and products are reasonable.
Charlie B on Mar 21, 2019
best flavor
ISAIAS O on Mar 8, 2019
always bought these at the grocery store. thought it would be better if I grew my own.
sheryl b on Feb 13, 2019
We weren't going to replace the plum trees that died after 25+ years, but have come to realize we really don't like NOT having that juicy sweetness in the summertime. The Santa Rosa and the Alderman varieties complement each other so well I couldn't plant just one without the other.
Mom40s on Feb 4, 2019
Love Plums! and it one of few for Zone 9
JEANETTE M on Jan 14, 2019
Looks good
Jovencio M on Dec 31, 2018
My favorite plum!
Judy J on Dec 7, 2018
It is self pollinating, grows where I live, and the dwarf size fits in the space available.
Brian K on Oct 22, 2018
Self pollinating
Charlotte J on Oct 18, 2018
Self Pollinating!
Lindsey N on Sep 1, 2018
Small yard and self-pollinating. Reviews helped me decide to go for it!
Danica F on Aug 14, 2018
I love the self pollination and I liked what it said about it. I have always trusted Stark Bros. and I guess I always will.
Billy C on Aug 1, 2018
I ordered this variety based on the reviews. It sounds like it is easy to grow, produces a fair amount of fruit, and doesn't need a pollinator. I anxiously await the arrival of my plum tree!
Jennifer G on Jul 16, 2018
On sale and I already have a stark bro's plum tree and it is doing very well!
Andrea M on Jun 15, 2018
Self pollinating and good reviews from over 40 customers. Works for my zone too, so that's always a plus.
WorkinDad on May 22, 2018
Smaller tree with good fruit. Wanted to fill in with a tree, but not too tall or wide.
Donna D on May 8, 2018
My grandma and aunts grew these when I was a girl. Their plum jelly is a childhood memory. The fruit is so good.
Ginger C on Apr 30, 2018
we love plum and it was priced right+ $9 shipping stark trees are the best!
George on Apr 22, 2018
I love plums and wanted quality dwarf trees so I automatically picked Stark Bros. as I have full trust in their products.
cregg n on Aug 1, 2017
Tastiest plums out there and at dwarf size, couldn't pass up for the front yard.
JAMES K on May 16, 2017
good local results
JAMES J on Oct 4, 2020
It sounds like a wonderful plum...
Angel S on May 21, 2020
My Santa Rosa plum has stopped setting fruit. We see blooms but never get fruit anymore. Any suggestions? My husband wants to cut it down but, it is such a beautiful tree and, I know it should fruit.
Pamela on Jun 18, 2016
BEST ANSWER: You need to prune it properly; too much vegetative growth; check YouTube videos.
In Arkansas , we have late frost, some yrs. will the blooms survive, ?
Estelle on Sep 28, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. It really depends upon how "hard" the frost is. A light frost will generally not kill the blooms. If the tree is small enough to cover with a sheet, you can do that; or you can mist the tree with water, which will form a protective coating around the blooms and actually keep them from freezing.
How long after planting will I begin to see growth of my Japanese Plum cutting?
Stuart B on Mar 10, 2016
BEST ANSWER: for a spring planting I had growth a couple of weeks after planting. don't expect rapid growth the first year, however.....maybe 6 inches
Does it attract butterflies?
Tarra S on Oct 20, 2017
BEST ANSWER: We have not seen butterflies visiting our Santa Rosa plums when they are in bloom, but we do see many other pollinators including honey bees. Butterflies are not usually in our area at the time the Santa Rosa plums bloom; the butterflies arrive later in the season. They are beautiful plants and the fruit is delicious!
What the difference between the dwarf and the standard tree?
Tony F on Feb 26, 2018
BEST ANSWER: A dwarf tree will grow to a height of 8-10'; a standard tree can grow as tall as 30'.
I bought one and planted it dormant over the winter. Spring came and it grew some leaves. About a week later, something ate the leaves off from it. Will it grow more and will it survive?
Jordan R on Apr 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: If your tree is generally healthy and only the leaves are missing I wouldn't worry as the tree should put new ones out as it grows. deer are a common pest when it comes to missing leaves, buds and branches on your trees. if you can try to find a natural deterrent to keep them and other things like bugs from harassing your trees and other plants
Do you need another plum tree to have fruit ?
Kevin on Jan 26, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Mine is still too young to produce, but I remember the catalog saying it was self-polinating and did NOT need another plum tree to have fruit. I've had very good luck with all Stark products.
My Santa Rosa Plums are about 4 yrs old and look great but for the past 2 years, something is happening once it starts to bear fruit.
They have dry, brown lesions on them and then drop all the fruit. What could this be?
Renee J on Apr 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Sorry we are unable to help you. We have had any e perience with that issue.
how good is it for making jellies?
marty d on Apr 12, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I haven???t had fruit yet but I would imagine these are great for jams and jellies!
can this tree be grown in a container, if so what size?
B. B on Dec 22, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it can be grown in a container. I usually start my bare root trees in a container for a year before I plant them in the ground. Container size depends on plant size. The fewer roots you need to prune off to get them into the container, the better. Probably going to want at least a 10 gal. container. After a few years it will need a larger container.
When will the plum tree start growing plums?
Jaimie C on May 30, 2019
BEST ANSWER: You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 3-6 years to bear. Michael must be taking wonderful care of his tree. :-)
Is this a Japanese plum?
Marsha Y on Oct 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Hi Marsha, Thank you for contacting us. The Santa Rosa Plums is indeed a Japanese Plum. The fruit is excellent for fresh-eating, cooking, and canning and this tree is easy to grow.
What is the rootstock of the Santa rose plum tree standard size?
Annadorothh on Oct 5, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. We use several different rootstocks, depending upon the desired result and what is available. For that reason, we're unable to guarantee a specific rootstock.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
How do I get the drop down box to work in order to get the dwarf santa rosa plum?
S.A. D on Jun 17, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Unfortunately this is not available in dwarf which is why you are unable to pull it down as an option. I apologize, this may become available in different size options for a future season.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
when is the best time for my area to plant santa rosa plum?
norman o on Mar 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.

You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32??F) and below 90??F.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
My tree is supposed to arrive and we're expecting below freezing temps. Should I go ahead and plant? What precautions should I take (like watering it in)?
Danica F on Feb 19, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. I'm attaching a link to an article that will help you prepare.

//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-to-delay-planting

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Hardiness of tree is 9. My zone is 9b will this tree be ok?
Ronald B on Jan 30, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. This tree should grow just fine.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Have the Dwarf Santa Rosa plum trees been genetically modified?
Jeff H on Jan 18, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. None of our trees have been genetically modified.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
is the santa rosa plum a dwarf tree?
Jill J on Oct 16, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Hi Jill - At this time the Santa Rosa is out of stock of all sizes. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
What is the proper ph for Santa rosa plumb?
Charles on May 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Japanese plums like a soil ph of 5.5 to 6.5.
What would be a good pollinator for my Santa Rosa plum?
Bill W on Apr 22, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Just about any other Japanese plum: Burbank, Alderman, Methley ... there are many.
can a self pollinating plum tree pollinate a non self pollinating plum tree?
Keith C on Mar 22, 2019
BEST ANSWER: That will depend upon a couple of things. If they are both Japanese plums (or both European plums) and they bloom at the same time, yes.
why do my plums fall off the tree , wen still green?
Martin L on Mar 5, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. There are any number of reasons for fruit drop to occur. In this article, we discuss some of the factors that may cause fruit drop and some things you can do to prevent it.

//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/shedding-light-on-fruit-drop
I live in mid state Florida What month will this tree bear fruit ?
Butler on Oct 21, 2018
BEST ANSWER: LIkely in mid-late June.
Is this a self pollinator?
Cynthia H on Aug 17, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it is.
I have a santa rosa plum & would like to know if I can plant a shiro plum to pollinate one another ?
Paul J on May 22, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can. THey make very good pollinating partners ... you'll get more/larger fruit from each tree.
I have Elephant Hearts and have read that Santa Rosa is a good pollinator. Is this accurate?
Hannah M on May 20, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is indeed. The two will cross-pollinate one another.
Do fruit trees rely on need for pollination?
Gayle R on May 20, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Many do, and many don't. Santa Rosa is self-pollinating, but all trees that are self-pollinating will produce more/bigger fruit if there is a different variety with a similar blooming time planted within 50;. This article will tell you more: ://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/the-importance-of-fruit-tree-pollination
What varieties pollenate Santa Rosa?
Paul E on May 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Methley and Redheart are good choices for red plums; Shiro is an excellent yellow plum that will also work.
Can I plant dwarf tree in pot?
Eve M on Apr 12, 2018
BEST ANSWER: A dwarf tree will survive for a number of years in a pot as long as it is kept in a climate where the roots will not freeze during the winter months. The tree would require special pruning and repotting if survival of the tree is desired over a long period of time. Remember, it takes at least a few years before the tree will set fruit. Planting the tree in the ground is your best option.

Customer Reviews

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4.5 / 5.0
98 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
63
25
5
1
4
Fast Growing Plum Tree
My first Santa Rosa Plum was a bare root dwarf tree I potted, and it has had extremely vigorous growth from day one on. I purchased it last spring and it continues to grow vigorously. It came as a 7/8 caliper tree. Due to its early success, I purchased two standard bare root Santa Rosa plums later in the summer. They were also potted and of a 5/8 caliper, but never developed any leaves. The replacements Stark sent for them this winter were of a smaller caliper but they have grown extremely vigorously like the dwarf has done. The dwarf actually had some blooms this year, but made no plums. I believe the two that never grew were damaged due to the summer heat in shipping last year. The rest have certainly been excellent. It's hot here now, and it hasn't slowed any growth on any of my Stark trees.

One more thing to know, I've had around eight trees that failed to grow with the best of care - out of some 50-60 Stark tree purchases. But, Stark has always performed with excellence in their replacement.

I also purchased some Stark Tree Pep, and can see the improvement in growth of other new Stark plants I've fed with it every ten days of this growing season. I'm pleased with the Stark Santa Rosa Plum trees and Tree Pep, and expect I may have plums from the dwarf tree next year.
May 23, 2019
Santa Rosa Plum
Very tasty and sweet. Meat is a good texture; firm but soft. This is 1st harvest after last falls planting, there were about 20 golf ball size plums. I'm hoping next year they'll be a little bigger.
August 5, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
So far so good!
2 year old tree,heavy fruit load this year, had to thin in order to get larger fruit.
May 21, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
wonderful tree
lots of plums only after one year. would recommend this tree to everyone
May 17, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Santa Rosa arrives as a stick and is now a beautiful growing tree
We purchased the Santa Rosa plum tree last May 2015 for a birthday and now one year later, the tree has lots of green leaves and branches. When the "tree" arrived it was just a single trunk and I was a bit disappointed and skeptical as to how soon we might have a tree. I'm happy to say that a year later the tree has grown at least 4 feet, has 10-12 branches and even had a few blossoms. Stark Bros. shipped according to schedule and always have reasonable prices. I love that they were founded in the 1800's. A true sign of success in business!
May 25, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Santa Rose Plum
Quite a bit slower in growth than the EarliBlue Plum. I will take 2-3 more years before it produces. This is year two.
May 20, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Santa Rosa Plum
I saw 36 inches of growth the first year and have over a dozen flowers. Spring was wet last year so it may help to keep the trees well watered. I also used moderate fertilizer.

Spring is coming early this year, hope we don't get a late frost.
March 22, 2016
Growing very nicely
Still need another year before I could expect fruit but tree is growing very nicely. Very healthy, perfect shape.
May 20, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
I like this fruit tree
I like this tree, it blossoms nice in the spring and it is growing fast too ..
May 13, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
santa rosa plum
Good so far! Can't wait until we can get some fruit on it!
May 12, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago

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