Stanley Plum Tree (Prunus domestica ‘Stanley’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Prefers a sheltered location with good air circulation
• Avoid frost pockets, though it blooms late and is less prone to frost damage

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring (typically April)
• White, fragrant blossoms attract pollinators
• Fruit ripens in late summer to early fall (usually September)

Size:

Height:

• Standard: 15 to 20 feet
• Semi-dwarf: 12 to 15 feet
• Dwarf: 8 to 10 feet2

Width: 8 to 12 feet spread. Can be pruned to maintain shape and size.

Attributes:

• Produces sweet, freestone plums with firm, golden flesh
• Excellent for drying into prunes, as well as fresh use and preserves
• Upright, vase-shaped growth habit with ornamental appeal
• Hardy in USDA Zones 5–8
• Self-fertile, but yields improve with cross-pollination

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter
• Water deeply and regularly, especially during fruit development
• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Prune in late winter to remove dead or crowded branches and maintain structure
• Thin fruit in spring to improve size and reduce limb stress

Pest Watch:

• Monitor for aphids, plum curculio, brown rot, and black knot
• Use dormant oil sprays in winter and maintain good garden hygiene
• Ensure proper spacing and airflow to reduce fungal issues