Methley Plum

Methley Plum (Prunus salicina 'Methley')

Methley Plum (Prunus salicina 'Methley') is a fast-growing Japanese plum known for its early ripening fruit, sweet flavor, and attractive ornamental qualities. This self-fertile variety is especially popular in warmer regions for its reliable yields, vibrant color, and fragrant spring blossoms.

Distinctive Features

'Methley' produces small to medium-sized plums with dark red to purple skin and juicy, deep red flesh. The fruit has a mild, sweet flavor and typically ripens in early to mid-summer�making it one of the first plums to harvest each season. The tree itself is upright with a dense, rounded form and showcases a flush of white to pinkish blooms in early spring. It grows to 15 to 20 feet tall and wide at maturity.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; requires consistent moisture during fruiting
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Backyard orchards and edible landscapes
• Fresh eating and juicing
• Early-season fruit production
• Pollinator-attracting ornamental
• Focal point in small-space gardens

Low Maintenance Care

• Self-pollinating; no second tree required
• Prune in winter to open the canopy and improve fruit quality
• Water regularly during hot, dry weather, especially as fruit matures
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth
• Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring

Why Choose Methley Plum

• Early-ripening fruit with sweet, red flesh
• Attractive flowers and foliage add ornamental value
• Self-fertile and productive in warm climates
• Compact size fits well in smaller landscapes
• Reliable harvests and strong visual appeal make it a useful focal point

Methley Plum delivers delicious fruit and eye-catching seasonal beauty�perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-reward tree that doubles as a landscape focal point.