Santa Rosa Plum

Interspecific hybrid of P. salicina x P. cerasifera x P. simonii. Vigorous easy-to-grow tree. Faster growing than most varieties. Bears fruit within 3-5 years, quicker than other plums. Heat resistant, drought tolerant. Self-pollinating but benefits from cross-pollination especially outside zone 9. Excellent pollinator for other Japanese plums.

Medium to large round to oval plums 4-8 centimeters diameter with pronounced suture line. Thin smooth taut glossy skin displaying dark red to purple hues with white speckles and purplish bloom. Sweet slightly tart flavor with perfect balance, tangy juicy flavorful. Tart skin coupled with sweet interior creates complex taste. High in anthocyanin antioxidants from dark coloring. Freestone. Ripens late June in Central California. Self-fruitful but cross-pollination increases yields significantly. One of best pollinizers for other Asian plums.

Developed by Luther Burbank 1906 in Santa Rosa, California after importing Japanese plums beginning 1880s. Named after city of Santa Rosa partly to boost business and promote Northern California city. Most widely grown plum variety in California and Arizona. Burbank's Santa Rosa house and garden now preserved as National Historic Landmark and one-acre city park. Considered standard against which all other plums measured.