A large blood plum with mottled red-purple skin and sweet, almost stoneless deep-red flesh, superb for eating fresh. Partly self-fertile but cropping best with Satsuma or Santa Rosa nearby.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 4.5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Mariposa Plum
Prunus salicina 'Mariposa' is a fast-growing fruiting tree in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 4.5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Mariposa Plum
Mariposa Plum suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Mariposa Plum does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Mariposa Plum is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Mariposa Plum after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Mariposa Plum in the garden
Mariposa Plum earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Mariposa Plum with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Mariposa Plum
Plant Sale lists Mariposa Plum as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.