Science · Specimen Trees

Santa Rosa Plum

A Japanese-type plum developed by Luther Burbank, with reddish-purple skin and sweet-tart amber flesh. It flowers relatively early, so spring frost and pollen conditions can determine cropping more than summer irrigation.

Prunus salicina ‘Santa Rosa’ (Japanese-type hybrid cultivar) · Deciduous fruit cultivar

Profile

Fruit: Juicy sweet-tart dessert plum, useful fresh or cooked.
Pollination: Often described as partly self-fruitful; compatible bloom can improve set.
Planting: Set the root flare at grade and protect the expanding root zone from compaction.
Assessment: Confirm identity, local climate suitability and drainage before prescribing care.

Water & soil targets

Moisture (VWC): Site-calibrated; varies by soil and rootstock
Salinity tolerance: Avoid salt accumulation; rootstock affects tolerance.
Drought tolerance: Moderate; reliable fruit sizing requires moisture.

Optimal root measurement depth

8–18 in

Most absorbing tree roots live in the upper 12–18 inches, out toward the drip line. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.

Keep moisture even during early fruit growth, avoid saturated roots and match watering to rootstock; do not confuse frost-related crop loss with drought.

Problems to watch

Brown rot
Bacterial canker
Early blossom frost

Stress signs

Shoot wilting
Gumming with dieback
Small or dropped fruit

Where you'll find it

Fresh dessert fruit
Preserves

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All Science profiles

General agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.