Alderman Plum

Prunus x 'Alderman'

Nature Hills Nursery

Cold-Hardy Minnesota-Bred Plum Producing Huge 2-2.5 In. Dark Red Fruit in Zones 3-8
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Excellent Shade Tree or Street Tree
Self-Fertile Alderman Plum Produces Abundant Harvests Without a Pollinator Tree

$83⁹²

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Plant Size

#3 Container | 3-4 ft

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Alderman Plum is a cold-hardy, Minnesota-bred plum tree that produces an outstanding crop of large, richly flavored fruit even in northern gardens. Known for its impressive dark red to burgundy plums with sweet, golden-yellow flesh, Alderman is a standout choice for gardeners in colder climates who want reliable, delicious summer fruit. Spring brings a gorgeous show of white blossoms before the generous harvest arrives in mid to late summer.

Huge, 2–2.5 in. dark red to burgundy plums with golden, sweet-tangy flesh
Exceptionally cold-hardy, thrives in Zones 3–8 where other plums fail
Beautiful white spring blossoms add ornamental value to the landscape
Ripens mid to late summer (July–August) for a generous harvest
Grows 12–20 ft. tall; prune to maintain desired size
Needs a pollinator, plant with Toka, Superior, or Methley plum nearby
Ideal for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and baked goods

Plant Alderman Plum in full sun and well-drained soil for best fruit production. This variety was developed to withstand harsh northern winters while still producing heavy crops of high-quality plums. Water regularly during establishment and in dry spells. Fertilize in early spring to support vigorous growth. A cross-pollinator planted within 50 feet is essential for a good fruit set. Prune annually to maintain an open canopy and maximize light and airflow.

Bring bountiful summer harvests to your northern garden, order Alderman Plum today!

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How cold hardy is the Alderman Plum tree?

The Alderman Plum is exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3-8 where other plum varieties typically fail. This Minnesota-bred variety was specifically developed to withstand harsh northern winters while still producing heavy crops of quality fruit. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results.

Is the Alderman Plum self-pollinating, or does it need a pollinator?

Alderman Plum requires a cross-pollinator for proper fruit set. Plant Toka, Superior, or Methley plum within 50 feet to ensure your harvest. Shop compatible pollinators at Nature Hills to maximize your plum production.

What are the planting instructions for Alderman Plum trees, including bare root timing?

Plant Alderman Plum in full sun and well-drained soil during dormant season (late fall through early spring for bare root). Choose a location with space for 12-20 ft. mature height in Zones 3-8. Plant a compatible pollinator like Toka or Superior within 50 feet for fruit production.

What type of soil and sun exposure does Alderman Plum require?

Alderman Plum requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal fruit production. This cold-hardy variety thrives in Zones 3-8 and tolerates harsh northern conditions better than most plums. Plant in a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

How do I prune an Alderman Plum tree for best growth and fruit production?

Prune Alderman Plum annually in late winter to maintain an open canopy that maximizes light and airflow. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin crowded areas to improve fruit quality. Regular pruning also helps control the tree's 12-20 ft. mature size. Find quality Alderman Plum trees at naturehills.com.

What is the fruit size, color, and flavor like on Alderman Plum?

Alderman produces huge 2-2.5 inch plums with dark red to burgundy skin and golden-yellow flesh that's sweet with a pleasant tangy note. The fruit ripens mid to late summer (July-August) and is excellent for fresh eating, jams, and baking. Plant with a compatible pollinator like Toka or Superior for best fruit set.

Can Alderman Plum be grown in containers or pots?

Alderman Plum can be grown in large containers, though its 12-20 ft. mature size makes it better suited for in-ground planting. Choose a container at least 20 gallons with drainage holes and expect more frequent watering and feeding. Plant a compatible pollinator like Toka nearby for fruit production.