Plum tree care: European vs Japanese
Plums sold in North American nurseries fall into two main categories: European plums (*Prunus domestica*) and Japanese plums (*P. salicina*). They differ in fruit type, bloom time, pollination requirements, cold hardiness, and to some extent the diseases they attract. Understanding which type.
Plums sold in North American nurseries fall into two main categories: European plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plums (P. salicina). They differ in fruit type, bloom time, pollination requirements, cold hardiness, and to some extent the diseases they attract. Understanding which type you're growing is essential because they have different management requirements.
I don't grow plums at my zone 7a Long Island plot. Both types would grow here, with some disease management required. This guide is sourced from Penn State, Cornell, and Oregon State Extension.
European vs Japanese plums at a glance
Per Penn State Extension:
| Characteristic | European plum (P. domestica) | Japanese plum (P. salicina) |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Oval, purple/blue/green; freestone | Round, red/yellow; clingstone or semi-free |
| Flesh texture | Dense, less juicy | Juicier, softer |
| Use | Fresh, prunes, jam | Primarily fresh eating |
| Self-fruitful | Many are | Mostly require pollinators |
| Cold hardiness | Zones 4-7 | Zones 5-9 |
| Bloom time | Later (less frost risk) | Earlier (more frost risk) |
| Brown rot susceptibility | Moderate | Higher |