Can a Plum Tree Tolerate Shade?

Ornamental Trees

• Ornamental plum trees, such as "Princess Kay Plum" (Prunus nigra "Princess Kay Plum") and "Newport Plum" (Prunus cerasifera "Newport Plum") grow best in full sun, but they'll tolerate partial shade. These trees, which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, may have green or purple leaves and pink or white blooms in the spring. Full sun is preferable, but well-draining soil is more important for tree health.

Fruiting Plum Trees

• Like all stone fruit trees, fruiting plum trees need full sun to produce high-quality fruit. Many varieties are self-unfruitful and need another tree to pollinate and bear fruit. Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) are well-suited to warm climates because they need fewer chilling hours than European plums (Prunus domestica). Two worth trying include "Santa Rosa" (Prunus salicina "Santa Rosa") and "Shiro" (Prunus salicina "Shiro"), which both grow in USDA zones 5 through 9. Plum trees need deep, well-draining, slightly sandy soil and moderate fertility in addition to full sun.

Pruning

• Not only should plum trees be planted in full sun, but they also need regular pruning to open the crowns of the trees to more sunlight. This pruning encourages stronger branches and better fruit production. Prune plum trees in late winter before the buds begin to open. When pruning plums, remove any branches that produce poor-quality fruit, as well as those that grow vertically or grow less than 6 inches apart. Plums form on young branches. Regularly thin out older branches and water spouts, which are flimsy, upright twigs growing around the base of the tree or on the branches.

Planting Tips

• Ornamental plum trees can be planted as specimen trees or planted together to form an informal windbreak or privacy screen. Space ornamental plum trees at least 10 to 15 feet apart to give them adequate space and sunlight. Grow fruiting plum trees in a protected, open area, away from large shade trees. Their size ranges from dwarf trees, which grow 12 feet tall and wide, to standard trees that grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Space plum trees 12 to 20 feet apart so the receive adequate sunlight.