How Big Does a Plum Tree Grow?

Plum trees are a popular fruit tree to grow in home gardens. Their spring blossoms are beautiful, and their tasty fruit can be eaten fresh or used for jams, jellies, and desserts. But before planting a plum tree, it’s important to understand how big they can get. A fully grown plum tree can reach 15-20 feet or more in height and spread.

Plum Tree Types

There are two main types of plums – European and Japanese. European plums tend to be larger, while Japanese plums are often sweeter. Here’s how big each type grows

European Plums

• Mature height: 15-20 feet
• Mature spread: 15-20 feet
• Growth habit: More upright and oval

Popular varieties Stanley. Damson. Italian

Japanese Plums

• Mature height: 15-18 feet
• Mature spread: 8-10 feet
• Growth habit: More vase-shaped and spreading

Popular varieties Santa Rosa Elephant Heart. Mariposa

In addition to these two main types, there are also American hybrids which combine traits from European and Japanese varieties. These hybrid plums reach sizes intermediate between the two types, often maxing out around 12-18 feet tall and wide.

Factors Affecting Plum Tree Size

Several factors play a role in just how big a plum tree will get:

• Rootstock – Most commercial plum trees are grafted onto specific rootstocks that control their vigor and size. More dwarfing rootstocks produce smaller trees.

• Pruning – Regular pruning and training when young keeps a plum tree smaller than unpruned specimens.

• Variety – Some plum varieties are genetically more compact, while others are known for their large size.

• Growing conditions – Rich soil, ample water and sun promote faster and larger growth. Trees may remain more compact in poorer conditions.

• Age – Young trees start small but can put on significant growth over time to reach mature size. Maximum height and spread take years.

With pruning, even larger plum varieties can be kept much more compact, under 10 feet. So tree size can definitely be managed.

Planting Location Affects Size

The location where you plant your plum tree will impact how large it can grow:

• Full sun – Plum trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for best growth and fruiting. Insufficient sunlight can result in a stunted tree.

• Well-drained soil – Plums despise wet, soggy soil. Ensure the site doesn’t collect water.

• Avoid lawns – Grass under plum trees competes for water and nutrients. Plant in a garden bed or area kept vegetation-free.

• Enough room – Give plum trees adequate spacing from buildings, other trees, etc to reach mature size without being cramped.

With an ideal planting site, your plum tree has the potential to grow to its maximum capable size. Restricted spaces will limit growth.

Timeline of Plum Tree Growth

Plum trees take time to reach their full dimensions. Here is a general timeline:

• Years 1-2: Plum trees are establishing and put on minimal height, up to 3-4 feet.

• Years 3-5: Moderate growth of 1-2 feet per year as the tree matures. Total height around 8-12 feet.

• Years 6-10: Plum trees really take off and gain several feet in height and spread each year.

• Years 10+: Growth slows again as trees reach mature dimensions of 15-20 feet or more.

Once your plum tree hits maturity after 8-10 years, you can expect it to reach its maximum size potential in your growing conditions. Proper care and pruning will keep it productive for decades to come.

Controlling Plum Tree Size

If your plum tree is starting to outgrow its allotted space, you can take steps to control its size:

• Summer pruning – Trim back long shoots by 6-12 inches in summer to slow growth.

• Root pruning – Cutting roots within the drip line in fall reduces vigor and growth.

• Thinning cuts – Selectively remove inward-growing or vertical branches to open up the canopy.

• Dwarf rootstocks – Plant new trees on semidwarf or dwarfing rootstocks to restrict size.

• Manage water/fertilizer – Avoid over-stimulating the tree with excess nutrients or irrigation.

With diligent pruning and care, plum trees can maintain a compact form for years to come.

Caring for Plum Trees

To help your plum tree achieve its ideal mature size, provide proper care:

• Water young trees regularly, 1-2 inches per week. Mature trees need less.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.

• Prune annually in late winter to shape, thin, and remove dead wood.

• Control diseases and pests that could impact tree health and growth.

• Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Thin developing fruit so branches are not weighed down.

With its needs met, a plum tree will grow vigorously within the constraints of its environment. Adjust care as needed to influence mature size.

Best Varieties for Small Spaces

Some excellent plum varieties to look for if you need a tree suited for smaller yards or gardens include:

• Morris – Semi-dwarf reaching 10 feet tall and wide. Dark purple fruit.

• Damson – Compact self-pollinating European plum, only 10-15 feet at maturity.

• Shiro – Early-ripening yellow Japanese plum. Grows to 10-15 feet.

• Santa Rosa – Popular purplish-red Japanese plum. Reaches 15 feet or less with pruning.

• Elephant Heart – Pink-fleshed Japanese plum. Maxes out around 12-15 feet tall.

With pruning, even these compact varieties can be maintained well under 10 feet for planting in very tight spots.

Give Your Plum Tree Room to Grow

When planting a new plum tree, be sure to allow adequate space for it to reach its expected mature size. Crowding trees causes issues like poor growth, reduced yields, and susceptibility to diseases.

Check the mature height and width for your chosen plum variety and plant accordingly. You can always prune trees to keep them smaller, but you can’t add space! With room to grow, your plum tree will reward you with abundant flowers and plump, juicy fruit for years to come.