Bruce plum trees are extremely hardy, and their fruits are some of the most commonly eaten.
A hybrid of Japanese and native American plums, bruce plum trees come from hardy stock that makes them a good choice for fruit growing. With their beautiful bark and foliage and delicate white flowers, they also do well as a topiary, bonsai, or espalier. Additionally, they comprise one branch of the most commonly eaten plums. However, although hardy, growers need to know some information in order to produce flourishing trees, especially ones with healthy, juicy fruit.
Appearance
Bruce plum trees are small and shrubby. In the early spring, they don fragrant white blossoms, changing to yellow-orange fleshy fruits in the late spring and early summer. They usually grow to be about 10 to 15 feet high, and have glossy green leaves. The bark is reddish brown and smooth, without many knots.
History
The bruce plum belongs to the Prunus salicina, or Japanese, plum family, so named for the country from which they were erroneously thought to originate. They actually come from China, where they have grown for thousands of years. They were first crossed with native U.S. plums and bred by A. L. Bruce of Donelly County, Texas in 1921.
Climate
A hybrid of native North American and Japanese plums, the bruce variety flourishes in the warm climate of the southern United States, and other warm, humid areas. Due to this---and because of its pleasing color and texture---it is one of the most popularly consumed plums.
Hardiness
Plums in general comprise some of the most sturdy and hardy fruit trees, but bruce plums in particular can withstand almost anything nature can throw at them. They resist virtually all pests and diseases, and are exceptionally tolerant to heat, humidity and excessive sun. However, they will perish in soils that do not drain well, and can be damaged by late-season frosts.
Care
Although relatively hardy, all plums require some care in order to produce a maximum yield of quality fruit. In particular, plums need watering when the weather gets particularly hot or dry. Many plums are killed or damaged because their growers forget to water them throughout dry winter periods. Additionally, dormant pruning is also recommended because the plant's energy will not be spread thin across a large harvest, and fruit-laden arms will be lighter and less likely to break off, damaging the tree. However, growth from the previous growing season should not be pruned.
Pollination
An important thing to note about the bruce plum is that it does not self-fertilize, meaning that pollen grains from another Japanese plum must fall onto the stigma of the bruce plum's flower in order for fruits to be produced. A single tree of this variety standing by itself will never produce fruit. Growers often pair it with the variety Methley, which makes a good pollinator.
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