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Methley Japanese Plum

Name: Methley Japanese Plum
Brand: Prunus
Availability: InStock

Prunus salicina 'Methley'

$104.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

China (species)

Toxicity

Leaves, stems, and fruit pits are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus salicina, or Japanese plum, is a small deciduous tree known for its early spring blossoms and sweet, juicy fruit. 'Methley' is a highly productive and widely adapted variety, known for its low chill requirement, making it suitable for warmer climates. It produces medium-sized, reddish-purple plums with sweet, juicy, red flesh and is self-fertile.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The tree is covered in a cloud of fragrant white blossoms in very early spring, providing one of the first floral displays of the season and making it a lovely ornamental specimen.

'Methley' is prized for its heavy, reliable crops of sweet, juicy plums that ripen very early in the season. Its low chill requirement allows it to be grown in warmer climates where other plums fail.

The early spring flowers are a critical food source for emerging bees and other pollinators. The fruit is also enjoyed by various birds and wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

PlantingTree

In Stock$104.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location with well-drained, fertile soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread.
Set the tree in the hole, keeping the graft union visible.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
Prune after planting to establish a strong framework of scaffold branches.

Pro Tip

Prune Japanese plums in summer after harvest to control size and reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Thin fruit to one plum every 4-6 inches to improve size and prevent limb breakage.
Water regularly and deeply during fruit development.
Monitor for common plum pests and diseases, especially black knot.
Remove any root suckers that appear.

Don't

Avoid heavy winter pruning, which can make the tree susceptible to disease.
Do not let the soil dry out completely when fruit is sizing up.
Do not allow black knot cankers to remain on the tree; prune them out immediately.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Early-fruiting orchard treeBeautiful spring-flowering accentProductive edible garden tree

Companion Plants

Chives Marigold Comfrey Clover Lavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Methley Japanese Plum questions

What zones can Methley Japanese Plum grow in?

Methley Japanese Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Methley Japanese Plum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Methley Japanese Plum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Methley Japanese Plum bloom?

Methley Japanese Plum typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Methley Japanese Plum need full sun?

Methley Japanese Plum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Methley Japanese Plum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Methley Japanese Plum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.