How Tall Do Plum Trees Grow

If you’re planning to add a plum tree to your garden, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is, how tall do plum trees grow? Understanding their maximum height is crucial for picking the right spot and ensuring your tree thrives without overwhelming your space.

Plum trees are a fantastic choice for many home orchards, offering beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit. But their size can vary a lot depending on the type you choose. Let’s look at what you can expect so you can plan your perfect garden layout.

On average, a standard plum tree will reach a height of 15 to 20 feet tall, with a similar spread. However, this is just a general rule. The ultimate size of your tree is primarily determined by its rootstock, which is the root system and lower portion of the tree onto which the fruiting variety is grafted. This is the single most important factor controlling size.

Dwarfing rootstocks keep trees much smaller, while vigorous ones allow them to grow to their full, natural potential. The variety of plum also plays a smaller role, but rootstock is key.

Plum Tree Height by Rootstock Type

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from common rootstocks:

Dwarf (e.g., Pixy): Trees on these rootstocks will grow only 8 to 10 feet tall. They are ideal for small gardens, patios, or even large containers.
Semi-Dwarf (e.g., St. Julian A): This is a very popular choice. Trees reach a manageable 10 to 14 feet in height, making pruning and harvesting much easier.
Standard/Vigorous (e.g., Myrobalan): These are the classic, full-sized trees. They will grow to that full 15-20 foot height and require the most space.

When you buy a tree, the label should indicate the rootstock. If your unsure, ask your nursery for guidance to avoid planting a giant in a tiny backyard.

How Different Varieties Influence Size

While rootstock is the boss, the scion variety (the fruiting part) has some say. European plums (Prunus domestica) tend to grow more upright and can be slightly taller than Japanese plums (Prunus salicina), which often have a wider, spreading habit. For example, a ‘Victoria’ plum on a semi-dwarf rootstock might be a bit more compact than a ‘Santa Rosa’ on the same rootstock.

Environmental Factors That Affect Growth

Even with a dwarf rootstock, your tree’s environment plays a big role in its health and final size. These factors can either limit or encourage growth:

Sunlight: Plum trees need full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. Less sun leads to weak, spindly growth and poor fruiting.
Soil Quality: Deep, well-drained, loamy soil is best. Poor, compacted, or waterlogged soil will stunt the tree’s growth significantly.
Water: Consistent watering, especially in the first few years and during fruit development, is essential for steady, healthy growth.
Climate: Extreme cold, harsh winds, or very poor summers can limit overall growth and vigor.

Practical Steps to Manage Your Plum Tree’s Height

You are not at the mercy of nature! With proper care and training, you can influence and maintain your plum tree’s size. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Tree from the Start

This is the easiest method. Select a tree grafted onto a rootstock that naturally matches the size you want for your available space. A dwarf or semi-dwarf tree is best for most home gardens.

2. Pruning for Size Control

Annual pruning is your best tool for managing height and shape. Plum trees are best pruned in early spring or midsummer to avoid silver leaf disease.

Establish a Shape: In the first few years, prune to create an open center (vase shape) or a central leader. This builds a strong framework.
Summer Pruning: To slow growth and control size, prune in summer. Cutting back new, soft growth directs energy to fruit rather than more branches.
Thinning Cuts: Remove entire branches back to their point of origin. This is better than just tipping branches, which can encourage more dense growth.
Height Limitation: Annually, cut back the uppermost branches to a outward-facing bud at your desired maximum height.

3. Espalier Training

For ultimate space saving, you can train a plum tree flat against a wall or fence. This method severely restricts growth in one direction and creates a beautiful, productive feature. It requires more initial effort but minimal space.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Overgrown Trees

Avoid these pitfalls if you want to keep your tree manageable:

Neglecting Annual Pruning: Letting the tree go unpruned for several years makes it much harder to correct size later.
Planting in Too-Rich Soil: Excessively fertile soil can cause overly vigorous growth that is hard to control.
Over-fertilizing: Especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit and increases tree size.
Wrong Rootstock: The biggest mistake is simply planting a tree on a vigorous rootstock in a small space.

FAQ: Your Plum Tree Height Questions Answered

How fast do plum trees grow?

Plum trees have a moderate growth rate, typically putting on 1 to 2 feet of new growth per year under good conditions. Growth is fastest in the early years.

Can I keep a plum tree small?

Absolutely. By starting with a dwarf rootstock and using summer pruning techniques, you can successfully maintain a plum tree at 6-8 feet tall. Regular maintenance is key.

What is the smallest type of plum tree?

True dwarf plum trees on rootstocks like ‘Pixy’ are the smallest, often sold as “patio trees.” They can be kept as small as 6-7 feet with pruning and are sometimes grown in large pots.

Do plum trees have deep roots?

Their root systems are generally shallow and spreading, often staying in the top 2-3 feet of soil. This makes them susceptible to drought but also means they don’t need extremely deep soil.

How much space does a plum tree need?

Space depends on the rootstock. Dwarf trees need about 10 feet between trees, semi-dwarf 12-15 feet, and standard trees 18-22 feet. Always check the nursery recommendation for your specific tree.

Making the Right Choice for Your Garden

Knowing the answer to “how tall do plum trees grow” empowers you to make a smart decision. Consider your space, your gardening goals, and the time you have for maintenance. For most gardeners, a semi-dwarf tree offers the best balance of manageable size and abundant fruit yield.

Remember, a happy tree is one planted in the right place. With the correct rootstock and a little annual care, your plum tree will provide beauty and harvest for many years to come without outgrowing its welcome. Take your time selecting the right tree—it’s the foundation for all your future success.