Prunus umbellata — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Prunus umbellata

Prunus Umbellata

Updated · 35 observations
Photo · (c) mfeaver, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mfeaver COURTESY INATURALIST
ON THIS PLANT

Prunus umbellata, called flatwoods plum, hog plum and sloe plum, is a plum species native to the United States from Virginia, south to Florida, and west to Texas.Prunus umbellata can reach 6.1 meters (20 feet) in height with a 4.6 m (15 ft) spread. It has alternate serrate green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Flowers are white, creamy, or grayish. Fruits are round, purple, and 1.3–2.5 centimeters (1⁄2–1 inch) in diameter. The trees bloom and bear fruit later than other plums. The fruits mature August–October. Large crops appear only every 3–4 years.P. umbellata trees can live up to 40 years and are very difficult to distinguish from P. angustifolia, with which it hybridizes easily.The fruits are made into jellies and jams.

A note from PlantMom

Hog plum has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this species is relatively low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished flowering. Hog plum is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Prunus Umbellata.

Light

Hog plum comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which supply abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Water

Hog plum naturally thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While it prefers consistent moisture, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant once established. To maintain its health, water it twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When grown outdoors, mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and regulate temperature, which is essential for its growth cycle.

Humidity

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Temperature

Hog plum shows strong adaptability to a wide range of climates, from extremely hot summers to cold winters. Nonetheless, it has a preferred temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is necessary to use insulation measures to protect the plant.

Fertilizer

The hog plum plant needs adequate nutrients to achieve optimal fruit production. Apply fertilizer in early spring to encourage new growth and bloom development. Regular feeding keeps the plant healthy, yields more delicious fruit, and prevents nutrient-deficiency problems like yellowing leaves and poor fruit production.

Pruning

To promote healthy growth, it is beneficial to prune hog plum plants in early spring. Focus on removing dead wood, thinning out branches, and enhancing airflow. Since this timing aligns with the plant's dormancy, it minimizes stress and encourages new growth. Regular pruning not only improves the size and quality of the fruit but also contributes to the overall health of the plant, making it an essential part of its care routine.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
3.66 m to 6.1 m
Mature Spread
3.66 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Sloe plum en Allegheny plum en Flatwoods plum en Hog plum
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What are the sunlight requirements for Hog plum (Prunus umbellata)?

Hog plum (Prunus umbellata) thrives in different sunlight conditions but requires specific amounts to flourish. It needs full sun, characterized by over 6 hours of sunlight daily, to foster growth and bloom. Alternatively, it can grow in partial sun, which means about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. It's essential to observe the movement of sunlight in your garden to find spots that offer the right mix of light and shade, ensuring your Hog plum plants are happy and healthy.

What is the botanical name of Hog plum?

The botanical name of Hog plum is Prunus umbellata.

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