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Beach plum

Prunus maritima

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A suckering deciduous shrub with a dense, rounded form, beach plum has dull green leaves that are pale green beneath. Single or double white flowers bloom in mid-spring, maturing to edible purple fruit.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis shrub is native from coastal Maine to Virginia. Extremely salt tolerant.

CareGrow in any moist but well-drained soil. If needed, trim after flowering.

PropagationRoot greenwood cuttings in early summer. Bud cultivars in summer or graft in early spring.

ProblemsCaterpillars, borers, scale insects, aphids, leaf hoppers, nematode, and eriophyid mites. Crown gall, mushroom root rot, canker, dieback, lesions, fireblight, leaf curl, powdery mildew, mosaic and ringspot viruses.

  • Genus : Prunus
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Characteristics : Showy Fruit
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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