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Plum 'Superior'

7-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf

Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Prunus salicina 'Superior'

Description:
A high-quality Japanese-American hybrid plum variety known for its large, juicy fruit and outstanding flavor. 'Superior' produces vibrant red-skinned plums with golden-yellow flesh that is sweet, aromatic, and richly textured. This semi-dwarf tree is highly productive and cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for home orchards.

Edible Qualities:
Plum 'Superior' is prized for its exceptionally sweet, juicy flesh and smooth texture. It is a clingstone variety, meaning the flesh clings to the pit, but its rich flavor makes it a favorite for fresh eating and preserves.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Preserves
- Drying
- Juicing

Features & Attributes:
Plum 'Superior' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, followed by a showy display of fragrant white blossoms in spring that attract pollinators. Its large, deep red fruit ripens in mid to late summer, providing a beautiful contrast against the glossy green leaves.

This is a deciduous tree with an upright, spreading growth habit. It is highly productive and well-suited for northern climates due to its excellent cold-hardiness.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Plum 'Superior' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Plum 'Superior' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another Japanese plum variety for optimal fruit production. Regular watering during dry periods and annual pruning help maintain shape and encourage better fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Additional Characteristics:
- Mid-Season Ripening
- Pollination Required
- Cold Hardy
- High-Yielding
- Fragrant Spring Blossoms