Dwarf Beach Plum Tree (Prunus maritima ‘Nana’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Tolerates sandy, nutrient-poor soils
• Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0)

Bloom Time:

• Spring (April to May)
• White flowers appear before leaf-out and may develop a pink hue after pollination
• Pollinated primarily by wild bees and other insects

Size:

Height: Typically 3 to 5 feet tall

Width: 4 to 6 feet spread. Forms dense thickets if left unpruned.

Attributes:

• Produces small, round, purple to bluish fruits (0.5–1 inch diameter)
• Fruit flavor ranges from tart to sweet
• Excellent for preserves, wine, and fresh eating (if sweet)
• Dense, shrubby growth ideal for borders and erosion control
• Native to the northeastern U.S. and highly salt-tolerant
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–6

Care Tips:

• Plant in full sun with sandy or loamy soil
• Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Prune lightly to shape or remove dead wood
• Minimal fertilization needed; avoid overfeeding

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest-resistant
• Monitor for common plum pests like aphids and brown rot
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues