Plant Quick Guide

Growing Zones:

7-9.

Mature Height:

15-20 ft

Mature Width:

15-20 ft

Sunlight:

Full (6 to 8 hours)

Spacing:

15-20 ft

Chill Hours:

300-400

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Flower Color:

White

Harvest Time:

June

Years to Bear:

3-5 years

Pollinator:

Needed, excellent compatibility with Methley or Santa Rosa plum.

Does Not Ship To:

(AK, AZ, CA, HI, PR)

Plum Trees - Southern Living® Ruby Sweet

Prunus Salicina
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9.
Regular price $79.95
SKU: PLURUB05GSL

Description

A Vibrant, Early-Ripening Plum with Sweet Flavor and Deep Red Color

The Ruby Sweet Plum is a standout Japanese-type plum known for its rich red skin, juicy flesh, and exceptionally sweet flavor. This early-season variety produces medium-sized fruit that is perfect for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves. With its attractive spring blossoms and reliable productivity, Ruby Sweet offers both ornamental beauty and a delicious harvest for home orchards and backyard gardens.

Key Features:

  • Sweet, Juicy Flavor: Produces richly flavored plums with a smooth, sweet taste ideal for fresh eating.
  • Early Harvest: Ripens early in the season, typically in late spring to early summer.
  • Vibrant Red Skin: Deep red skin with attractive coloration makes it visually appealing.
  • Ornamental Spring Blooms: Covered in white blossoms in early spring, attracting pollinators.
  • Productive and Reliable: Consistent fruit set with proper pollination.

Mature Size:

  • Height: 15–20 feet
  • Spread: 15–20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Hardiness Zones:
Zones: 7–9

Chill Hours:
Approximately 300–400 chill hours required for optimal fruiting.

Care Instructions:
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, and provide a compatible Japanese plum variety nearby for cross-pollination and best fruit production.

Landscape Uses:

  • Perfect for home orchards and backyard fruit gardens.
  • Ideal for fresh eating, baking, and preserves.
  • Adds ornamental value with spring blossoms and colorful summer fruit.

The Ruby Sweet Plum is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an early, sweet, and reliable plum variety. Its vibrant fruit, attractive blooms, and easy-growing nature make it a rewarding addition to any edible landscape.

Shipping
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Ships from Florida
Tennessee FedEx Transit Times
Ships from Tennessee
Oregon FedEx Transit Times
Ships from Oregon

At Plant Me Green, we carefully handle, package, and ship every order to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. All orders ship via FedEx Home Delivery®, typically the next business day after checkout.

  • We offer $15 flat-rate shipping on all eligible orders.
  • Orders over $100 ship FREE.
  • Replacement tree shipments are $15 per box.

Plant Me Green ships from multiple nursery locations, including Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida. If your order contains items from more than one location, plants may ship separately and arrive at different times.

🚨 Please note: We are unable to hold orders. To ensure your plants arrive at the right time, please place your order as close as possible to when you would like to receive it.

If you have any questions concerning transit time for your order, please feel free to contact us at info@plantmegreen.com or toll free 855-817-5268.

Due to strict agricultural laws, we cannot ship to the following locations:

  • Alaska

  • Hawaii

  • Puerto Rico

  • International destinations

  • California and Arizona orders are limited to approved items only and may not apply to all products.

How to Plant
STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space your tree or shrub will need.
STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting.
STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Before placing the tree or shrub in the hole, use your hands to gently break up the root system.
STEP 4) Once the plant is in place, backfill the hole with native soil and any leftover potting material.
STEP 5) Pack down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
STEP 6) When finished, water thoroughly.
Care Guide

To encourage a vigorous and high yielding plum tree, thin the tree's fruit in May and again in July, removing the damaged and diseased fruit so that the rest have room to grow. Prune plum trees in the winter. Regularly remove suckers from around the base of the tree.