Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree

Name: Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
Price: 149.85 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Prunus salicina 'Elephant Heart'

Nature Hills Nursery

$149⁸⁵

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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 3-4 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.

Heart-Shaped Gems Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree!

Incredible Large, Heart-Shaped Fruit
Gorgeous Blood-Red Juicy Flesh
Red & Green Skin & Frosted Bloom
Rich, Berry-Like & Distinctive Flavor
Early Spring Bloom of White Flowers
Fragrant & Calls Pollinators
Fresh Eating, Canning & Freezing
Clingstone
Prolific Bearing
Late Season Harvest
Dark-Green Foliage & Upright Growth
Disease & Heat Resistant
Pollinated by Beauty or Santa Rosa
~500-600 Chill Hours

The Elephant Heart Plum Tree (Prunus salicina 'Elephant Heart') produces large, heart-shaped plums with sweet, juicy richly flavored blood-red flesh. It's firm and juicy and excellent for fresh eating, canning and freezing!

A Japanese Plum variety, the Elephant Heart ripens when most plums are long gone, with a prolific harvest in September. You can extend your plum harvest longer by planting this tree among your earlier fruiting varieties!

Originating in the early 1900s by Luther Burbank, this is sometimes known as the Burbank Elephant Heart Plum tree or the Blood Plum due to its coloration.

Smothered in glorious white blossoms in the spring, your tree will be humming with pollinators! These fragrant flowers are an early spring delight! The dark-green foliage emerges soon after and cloaks the tree in vibrant greenery until fall. Providing wonderful shade and backdrop for the juicy red gems in autumn, plus some fall color!

Elephant Heart does require a pollinator to produce that novel fruit, so pair it up with another Plum for cross-pollination, such as Beauty or Santa Rosa.

How to Use Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree In The Landscape

Japanese Plum trees are fantastic dual-purpose ornamental beauties! Spring blossoms, lush foliage and juicy red gems, even the winter branching structure is ornate!

Create a spectacular specimen tree in your front landscaping or soften the edges of a garage or shed with a lovely tree that also provides a juicy bounty. Add to side yards or in hedgerows for privacy and screening neither you or your neighbors will mind seeing.

Growing to a hefty size if allowed, Elephant Heart Plum casts cooling shade for your patio and seating areas as well as over garden beds, just be sure you’ll still be able to reach your harvest!

Prune smaller as needed for easy to reach snacks and to incorporate into any sized yard or home orchard. You can easily control the size as you like, or try your hand at Espalier for a truly unique conversation piece!

Plums are delightful for eating fresh, and can be stewed, used in jams and jellies, or made into compotes, puddings, pies, and cakes. Plums are a good source of Vitamin C and make for delicious healthy snacks.

#ProPlantTips For Care

Elephant Heart Plum prefers drier, more arid climates, but also suitable for USDA growing zones 5 through 9 as well. Situate in an area that is protected from frost pockets and with good air circulation, and a site that favors the morning sun.

Plant in full sun for the most vigorous growth and best fruit. Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Japanese Plums can grow in many soil types but do best in fertile, well-drained soil. Periodic deep watering in the summer months is advised, even though the trees are fairly drought tolerant. A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill.

For best results, fertilize your tree regularly with Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer or a good organic, slow-release fertilizer. Add Nature Hills Root Booster while planting for a life-long symbiotic relationship with the tiny feeder roots.

Provide ample water for your young tree while it becomes established, not allowing it to dry out between waterings. Then reduce your watering to moderate, yet consistent moisture during the heat of summer and when fruiting.

Heavy pruning is necessary at all ages to control size (if desired) and to remove damaged, dead or diseased branching. Prune also to keep an open canopy, so that both sunlight and airflow reach the interior. Head over to read more on Plum Tree Care in our Garden Blog for more Fruit Tree Planting, Fruit Tree Pruning and Plum Tree Care tips and tricks can be found!

You’ll adore this unique fruit tree and its fascinating fruit! But only if you order yours today at NatureHills.com before they’re gone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Trees to bear fruit?

Nature Hills Nursery sells fruit trees with mature root systems that are already three to four years old, so you’ll enjoy fruit sooner than you would with younger trees! Expect young Plum trees to begin fruiting usually by the 2nd to 4th year after they establish in your landscape.

How big do Elephant Heart Japanese Plum trees grow? How fast do Plum trees grow?

The Elephant Heart Japanese Plum tree can grow to a mature height of 15-25 feet and a mature width of 5-15 feet. Once your Plum tree has been established (after the first year), it can typically add 13-24 inches of new growth per growing season. If your plants are growing less than that in a season, it may be worth your while to check the fertility level.

Where is the best place to plant a Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Trees?

Plum trees grow best in well-drained, fertile soil in at least 6 hours of full sun per day or more. Provide good air circulation and moderate, yet consistent water in well-drained, fertile soil.

Do You Need 2 Plum Trees to Produce Fruit?

The Elephant Heart Japanese Plum trees are not self fertile, so planting more than one Plum tree that blooms at about the same time, boosts yields on both trees and extends your harvest time! No room? Look into High-Density Planting techniques, or choose a semi-dwarf or dwarf fruit tree.

When Should Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree be Planted?

Bareroot Plum trees can be planted in spring when they are available in your area. Container-grown Plum trees can be very successfully transplanted all throughout the growing season. Check for first and last frost dates for your area with your local County Extension Office.

How Do I Find Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Trees for Sale Near Me?

Make your life easier and your landscape tastier by shopping for Plum trees at NatureHills.com online fruit tree nursery. You’ll find a massive selection of fruit trees for sale, including many lovely Plum tree varieties! Choose the right tree for your area by first finding your USDA growing zone by entering your zip code in the field above the Plant Highlights section on our product pages. Narrow down your options by plant hardiness zone, sun availability, and size requirements. Place your order, knowing it’s backed by the Nature Hills Nursery product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™, which helps ensure regulated plant materials aren’t sent to prohibited areas. Expect to receive your plants at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone when temperatures are safest for those plants that ship in fall, winter, or early spring. Shop the selection of mature Plum trees for sale at Nature Hills Nursery and place your order for Elephant Heart Japanese Plum Tree today.