Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best plum tree to plant

Wondering which is the best plum tree to plant in your New Zealand garden? Plum trees are a fantastic choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners, offering delicious fruit and attractive foliage. Choosing the right variety depends on your climate, space, and personal taste preferences. Whether you want juicy red plums for eating fresh, sweet golden fruit for bottling, or a reliable tree that thrives with minimal care, we’re here to help you discover the best plum tree to plant for your needs.

Plum 'Greengage'

The ‘Greengage’ plum tree is a heritage variety prized for its lovely, green-skinned fruit with golden flesh. Renowned for its rich, honeyed flavour, it’s perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and desserts. Growing 3–4 metres tall, it performs best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Buy Plum 'Greengage'

From $340.69

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Fruit Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Plum Billington

Billington plum trees produce sweet, juicy fruit that ripens early in the season, making them ideal for New Zealand gardens and orchards. These trees are easy to grow and provide reliable early harvests, helping extend your fresh fruit season.

Buy Plum Billington

From $425.89

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Fruit Trees

Height: 6.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern

Popular Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

When searching for the best plum tree to plant, it pays to know which varieties perform well in our Kiwi climate. Here’s a roundup of favourites:

Plum Santa Rosa

A top contender for the best plum tree to plant, the Plum Santa Rosa is renowned for its exceptional flavour and versatility. Its crimson-red skin and sweet, juicy flesh make it a hit for home orchards. Santa Rosa plums also have a strong resistance to disease and are partially self-fertile, meaning you can enjoy fruit even without another tree nearby. This makes it ideal for smaller gardens.

Plum Satsuma

The Plum Satsuma is prized for its deep red flesh and rich taste. It’s one of the best plum trees to plant if you love plums for fresh eating, jams, or desserts. Satsuma plums ripen early and are reliable producers, making them a favourite among New Zealand gardeners.

Plum Hawera

If you need a tree that handles cooler climates, the Plum Hawera is an excellent option. This New Zealand-bred variety produces attractive red-skinned fruit with yellow flesh. It’s well suited to southern regions and is known for its consistent cropping and adaptability.

Plum 'Greengage'

For those seeking a unique flavour profile, the Plum 'Greengage' is a must-try. Its greenish-golden fruit offers a delectable sweet taste with subtle tartness. This heritage variety is perfect for culinary uses and preserves, and grows beautifully across much of New Zealand.

Plum Billington

The Plum Billington is one of the earliest plums to ripen, making it a great choice for those looking for a fast harvest. This tree bears bright red fruit with juicy flesh and is well-suited for fresh snacking and cooking. Billington’s reliable performance and early crop make it a standout for local gardens.

Choosing the Best Plum Tree to Plant: Tips for Success

To select the best plum tree to plant, consider your local climate, space, and desired fruit-use. Most plums benefit from cross-pollination, so planting more than one variety can improve your yield. Ensure your tree receives plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering in the first year after planting. With the right care, any of these plum varieties will reward you with bountiful harvests and gorgeous spring blossoms.

Explore our range and discover the best plum tree to plant in your garden today, and enjoy the sweet rewards for years to come.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

best plum tree to plant

Plum 'Greengage'

Plum Billington

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