Description
Unlike early plums that favor quick sweetness, this variety develops its character with time on the tree—yielding fruit with a deeper, more layered profile once soft-ripe. The flesh is intensely colored and very juicy, making Elephant Heart equally appealing for eating out of hand and for use in sauces, jams, and baked desserts where color and flavor concentration matter.
Overview
- Mid- to late-season Japanese plum
- Very large fruit with dark red flesh
- Complex, rich flavor at full ripeness
- Well suited to fresh eating and cooking
- Pollination required for consistent yields
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus salicina ‘Elephant Heart’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Approx. 300–400 hours
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Rootstock: Marianna 2624
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–15 ft tall and wide with pruning
Flowering Time: Mid flowering (within plum / pluot types)
Ripening Time: Mid to late season; typically late July into August depending on region
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible Japanese plum within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Standard plum considerations; good airflow improves fruit quality
Yield: Moderate to good once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Elephant Heart shows its best qualities only when fully ripe. Allowing fruit to soften on the tree is key to unlocking its depth and complexity.
- Regional Insight: Performs best in regions with warm summers that allow fruit to fully mature. In cooler areas, choose the sunniest site available.
- Large fruit benefits from thinning to improve size and prevent limb stress.
- The deep red flesh carries through cooking, producing richly colored sauces and preserves.
- Explore more plums in our collection: Plum Trees
