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Shiro Plum Tree
Shiro Plum Tree
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Prunus salicina 'Shiro'
Shiro Plum Tree
The Shiro Plum Tree is a vigorous Japanese variety known for producing heavy crops of large, golden-yellow plums with juicy, sweet flesh and mild tart skin. With showy white blossoms in early spring and crisp, flavorful fruit in mid to late summer, Shiro is both an ornamental beauty and a home orchard favorite.
Ideal for fresh eating, canning, and pollinator support, the Shiro Plum offers beauty and bounty in one compact, fast-growing tree.
Shiro Plum Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Prunus salicina 'Shiro' |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Shiro Japanese Plum |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 12–15 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 12–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (24"+ per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 15–30 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 400–600 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loamy soil; tolerates clay and sand |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; needs regular watering during fruit set |
| 🌸 Flower Color | White; early spring |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | Round, yellow skin with amber flesh; sweet and juicy |
| 🐝 Pollinators | Requires cross-pollination (ideal with Santa Rosa, Methley) |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, rounded canopy |
| ↔️ Spacing | 12–15 ft apart |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Home orchards, edible landscapes, small gardens |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Early blooms provide nectar for awakening pollinators
🍑 Produces abundant fruit for wildlife and humans alike
🌳 Compact size allows for backyard orchard integration
🐝 Supports native bees and improves nearby fruit tree yields
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍑 Sweet, juicy yellow fruit great for fresh eating or canning | 🌸 Requires a second Japanese plum variety for pollination |
| 🌿 Fast-growing with compact, manageable size | ❄️ Chill hour requirements may limit southern planting |
| 🐝 Attracts bees and boosts local pollinator activity | 🍒 Thin fruit for best size and avoid branch stress |
| 🏡 Beautiful ornamental spring blooms | 🐛 Susceptible to aphids, plum curculio, and brown rot |
| 🧬 Proven producer with consistent annual yields | ✂️ Needs annual pruning for shape and air circulation |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water thoroughly before and after planting
🕳️ Dig hole twice the width of the root ball; plant at crown level
🌾 Mulch with 2–3 inches to conserve moisture and control weeds
💦 Water regularly during first year and fruiting season
✂️ Prune in late winter to shape and remove crossing branches
🧪 Apply balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring and midsummer
The Shiro Plum Tree is a stellar choice for those seeking a reliable, fast-producing fruit tree with ornamental flair. With its golden fruit, fragrant blossoms, and manageable size, it’s a standout addition to any backyard orchard or edible landscape. Pair with another Japanese plum for a fruitful harvest year after year.
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