Shiro Plum
Starting at
$44.99
Each
Description
The best of yellow plums. This variety beats all others in appearance and taste. Luminous yellow skin covers sweet, juicy flesh. A heavy bearer, Shiro grows clusters of plums all throughout the tree. Heat-tolerant. Clingstone. Introduced to America in 1899. Ripens in late July.
125% Survival Guarantee!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Fruit Color | Yellow Green |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Ripens/Harvest | Late 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
When your tree matures, it will be approximately 18 - 20' tall x 18 - 20' wide.
Recommended Spacing
We recommend spacing these trees 18 - 20' apart to ensure room for growth.
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 50' for best pollination.
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.
Shipping Information
Estimated Delivery Date
This item is currently out of stock.
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.
Questions & Answers
Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 25 questions
Browse 25 questions
and 78 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Can we eat Shiro Plum when it's not ripe yet?
BEST ANSWER: Majeda,
My Shiro plant is not bearing fruit yet but I think it's like any other plum when it's not riped yet it's sour but I think the Shiro plum if you picked and the color is yellowish all over even though it's hard I think you can eat it for me I like to eat a little bit harder than softer but if you picked in green color I don't think you can eat it, it's very sour, all the plum when it's not ripe the color is green and it changed to a different color when it is getting ripe my advise is picked when the color of the skin totally changed in one color even it's hard you can eat it, it maybe a little bit sour. When it's getting softer it's very sweet. I hope you can make your decision. Good luck.
My Shiro plant is not bearing fruit yet but I think it's like any other plum when it's not riped yet it's sour but I think the Shiro plum if you picked and the color is yellowish all over even though it's hard I think you can eat it for me I like to eat a little bit harder than softer but if you picked in green color I don't think you can eat it, it's very sour, all the plum when it's not ripe the color is green and it changed to a different color when it is getting ripe my advise is picked when the color of the skin totally changed in one color even it's hard you can eat it, it maybe a little bit sour. When it's getting softer it's very sweet. I hope you can make your decision. Good luck.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Balagtas d on Feb 26, 2017
- Purchased on May 31, 2015
Hi is that tree desires and pest resistant?
BEST ANSWER: I use a 10% Neem and water mixture twice a year on all my fruit trees. I also use Milky spore granules to combat Japanese Beetle grubs. The grown and newly hatched beetles did not appear to attack the Superior as much as other plums, but they did chew the leaves until I killed them with repeated sprayings of Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray Concentrate during the active beetle weeks in June. This natural spray is only effective for a day, so it must be re-spayed whenever the beetles return - and it is very effective on this pest. Fruit flies are the major pests I see attacking the fruit, and Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew seems to be keeping them and others off of the plums. I only use natural pesticides.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Randall A on Mar 10, 2020
can I summer prune this even as a standard to keep it at 8 feet or less?
BEST ANSWER: Pruning is necessary, however you should not prune off more than 25% of its growth each season to keep fruit production at its full potential.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 7, 2021
Will yellow plum pollinate with other plum trees?
BEST ANSWER: Shiro will pollinate most all other Japanese plum trees.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Jul 9, 2019
What does it taste like... sour, sweet, tart please?. Thanks.
BEST ANSWER: Somewhat sour when green but rather sweet when ripe
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- stanley h on May 3, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 8, 2017
Where did this tree originate from in 1899?
BEST ANSWER: Shiro plum is a Luther Burbank creation, originating in 1899 in California.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- MARK M on Dec 26, 2019
- Purchased on Jun 11, 2018
How do I prevent my shiro plum fruit from having worms ?
BEST ANSWER: A proper and consistent spray schedule is important to the survival of your fruit tree. From diseases to pests, many potential issues can be prevented with spraying before they even begin! To reap its benefits, spraying should be done consistently.
Spray every 7 to 10 days or after rain with Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray as a protective spray for fungal diseases. May be used up to day before harvest.
Natural Control
Serenade?? Garden Disease Control for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
When To Spray
Dormancy (late winter/early spring before bud break)
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil for scale insects and mites.
Bonide?? Fung-onil??? Fungicide for leaf curl.
Budbreak
Bonide?? Fung-onil??? Fungicide for brown rot, shothole and scab.
Full Bloom
Bonide?? Captan Fruit & Ornamental for brown rot.
Growing Season
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil for scale insects and mites.
At the First Sign of:
Bonide?? Captain Jack???s??? Deadbug Brew for borers, leafrollers, fruit flies, Japanese beetles and thrips (not for use on large trees).
Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray for scale insects, plant bugs, aphids, brown rot, mites, powdery mildew, leafhoppers, thrips and blight.
GardenTech?? Sevin?? Concentrate Bug Killer for scale insects, leafrollers, aphids, mites and borers (not for use on large trees).
Bayer Advanced??? Complete Insect Killer for scale insects, plant bugs, leafrollers, aphids, green fruitworm, plum curculio, oriental fruit moth, mites, rose chafer, borers, Japanese beetle and leafhoppers (not for use on large trees).
Spray every 7 to 10 days or after rain with Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray as a protective spray for fungal diseases. May be used up to day before harvest.
Natural Control
Serenade?? Garden Disease Control for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
When To Spray
Dormancy (late winter/early spring before bud break)
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil for scale insects and mites.
Bonide?? Fung-onil??? Fungicide for leaf curl.
Budbreak
Bonide?? Fung-onil??? Fungicide for brown rot, shothole and scab.
Full Bloom
Bonide?? Captan Fruit & Ornamental for brown rot.
Growing Season
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil for scale insects and mites.
At the First Sign of:
Bonide?? Captain Jack???s??? Deadbug Brew for borers, leafrollers, fruit flies, Japanese beetles and thrips (not for use on large trees).
Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray for scale insects, plant bugs, aphids, brown rot, mites, powdery mildew, leafhoppers, thrips and blight.
GardenTech?? Sevin?? Concentrate Bug Killer for scale insects, leafrollers, aphids, mites and borers (not for use on large trees).
Bayer Advanced??? Complete Insect Killer for scale insects, plant bugs, leafrollers, aphids, green fruitworm, plum curculio, oriental fruit moth, mites, rose chafer, borers, Japanese beetle and leafhoppers (not for use on large trees).
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Mar 29, 2021
What are the chill hours?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Requires 400-500 chill hours to set fruit.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Feb 26, 2021
What root stock is used for this tree?
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!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Feb 10, 2021
I already have the Santa Rosa plum tree in my yard that was planted last Fall. I've actually got about 6 fruits on it this year. I really want the Shiro plum tree but my yard is small so I don't have space for another tree to pollinate with the Shiro. Will the Shiro still fruit with just the Santa Rosa?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Yes the Santa Rosa plum will pollinate the Shiro plum.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Sep 3, 2020
Will a Santa Rosa plum pollinate this?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Yes the Santa Rosa plum will pollinate the Shiro plum.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on May 29, 2020
Is the dwarf variety of the Shiro appropriate to grown in a container, and how large?
BEST ANSWER: Mine died last year.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- JEREMY V on Apr 14, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 20, 2018
Will the Shiro and the Bubble gum pollinate each other?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, they will. Two of the best plums around right now.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on May 28, 2019
My shiro plum tree bears a lot of fruits, but they all fall off before getting ripe. What could cause it?
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
//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/shedding-light-on-fruit-drop
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Apr 1, 2019
Can you pollinate Shiro plum with Stanley Plum?
BEST ANSWER: Unfortunately not. Stanley is a European plum and Shiro is a Japanese variety.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Apr 1, 2019
What color do the leaves turn in fall?
BEST ANSWER: It has forest green foliage throughout the season. The leaves turn yellow in fall.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 1, 2019
Will Burgundy plum work as cross pollinator? I can't seem to find info on it. My burgundy is self-P...
BEST ANSWER: Burgundy is a Japanese plum so it should work well as a pollinator for Shiro.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Sep 2, 2018
Would like to plant Shiro and Plumcot . Will they pollinate each other?
BEST ANSWER: Shiro will pollinate the plumcot, but not the reverse. You will need another variety of Japanese plum to take care of that. The best pollinators are Redheart, Ozark Premier, Starking?? Delicious??? or Methley.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on May 12, 2018
If I have a Shiro plum and I put in a Redheart as a pollinator will the Redheart also be pollinated by the Shiro Plum?
BEST ANSWER: Indeed it will. They are a great pair and wonderful plums in their own right.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Apr 19, 2018
I have seen that a shiro plum tree can pollinate a Spring satin plumcot tree, but is the opposite true as well? Can a spring satin plumcot pollinate a shiro plum tree to produce fruit?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, they are in the same pollination group.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 29, 2018
Would a Stanley Prune-Plum also pollinate this tree?
BEST ANSWER: Unfortunately not. European plums cannot cross pollinate with Japanese plums.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Feb 10, 2018
My plum tree produced lots of fruit for the first time this year in April and now the leaves are dying and I have no idea why I live in coastal area of South Carolina and it's only June 20th but I don't recall it ever shedding leaves this early I have been growing this tree about 5 years What could possibly be the reason?
BEST ANSWER: If the leaves are dry and crumbly, the tree may be getting scorched by heat and/or not getting enough water. It could also be from too much nitrogen fertilizer. Yellowed leaves could be a nutrient imbalance or too much water/poorly drained soil. If the leaves have holes in them, it could be a pest or fungus that is causing it.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sarah D Staff on Jun 22, 2016
Why am I having such a hard time finding Shiro Plum trees?
is shiro plum in good pollinator for red beaut plum?
Customer Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
41 Reviews
Shiro Plum The Best!
I bought one of these trees years ago. What a surprise. This tree is so hardy and will grow in poor soil. The fruit is super sweet and the skin is tart. Best plum I have ever eaten. My family and friends ask for them every year. I bought a second one for another orchard.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (33) No (3)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (33) No (3)
- Flag as Inappropriate
One of the sweetest plums you'll find, but...
I love this tree I have 5 of them. I have a lot of different plums,apples,nectarines,trees etc. but find the Shiro's are not the easiest trees to grow. Sure they grow just fine except require a good amount of training as tree develops into the shape your looking for. I'm guessing it has to do with whatever rootstock is being used as it wants to branch out here and there but fairly disorganized. I had to prune and support and prune and tie down to get a nice shape, if your willing to do this you'll have a good looking tree. If you want a plum tree you can put in the ground and walk away from...this is not for you. A great tree and very tasty but requires a significant amount of training in the first 5 years.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (31) No (3)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (31) No (3)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Shiro Plum
This tree grew double size since i bought last year. I really in love this tree.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (23) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (23) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Beautiful tree
I purchased a Shiro plum from Stark Bros last Spring to plant on my hill of fruit trees as a pollinator to another type of plum tree. It came in the mail in great condition. Once planted, it began to leaf out within days, and grew approximately 12 inches in height the first summer. I just checked on it again, hoping it had made it through the winter alright, and it is thriving - loaded with fat, green buds. I think this is going to be a great plum tree! I've ordered fruit trees online elsewhere, and this is the ONLY place I will shop from now on. Excellent quality! Five stars.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (21) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
March 24, 2016
- Was this review helpful? Yes (21) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
great plum tree
my 2nd Shiro plum. Best tasting plums. Grows great! i have lots of clay soil and it still grows good.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (17) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (17) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Delicious small plums!
Highly recommend as a delicious plum that is a heavy bearer. Attractive yellow color in contrast to the green and purple ones on the table. Everyone in our family enjoys these.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (11) No (2)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (11) No (2)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Growing well
I purchased the Shiro Plum as well as another variety late last spring. They were both the smallest size Stark sells but they leafed out soon after planting last year and have leafed out beautifully again this spring. I'm sure I'm still several years from the time the trees will be mature enough to fruit but I'm looking forward to that time.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (8) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (8) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Love my shiro
The Shiro plum trees produce loads of unbelieveable sweet fruit. My friend infuses the fruit with volka and places them in the freezer for about an hour. The result is wonderful. Heavy producer, great fruit
- Was this review helpful? Yes (9) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (9) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Shiro Plum
I got this variety because I remember sitting in the neighbors yellow plum over 50 years ago, eating fresh, ripe plums. (With the neighbor's permission of course). The order arrived in good shape last spring. Seems to be growing well so far this spring. Looking forward to fruit next spring. Probably won't sit in the tree for a few years.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (8) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (8) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Shiro plum tree
In ref. to the Shiro plum, I've been unfortunate with its survival. Stark Bros has shown "five star" treatment by replacing the ones they've been aware of. However, I now believe that the tree's quality is not the problem. The soil in my yard is a rich (clay-like) soil, which is not conducive to the healthy growth of the tree (much to my dismay I love yellow plums). Thank you for your concern and request for my comments. I would recommend this company to anyone.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (13) No (5)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (13) No (5)
- Flag as Inappropriate
