Photo of Prunus maritima foliage by Plant Image Library

Photo by Plant Image Library

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Prunus maritima

Also Known As

  • Beach Plum

Plant type

shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

  • H: 5'-6'
  • W: 5'-6'

planting zones

  • 4a-6b

More Options

Prunus maritima plant details

Prunus maritima is a broadleaf deciduous fruit / vegetable or shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Prunus maritima

Plant type: fruit / vegetable or shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 5 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: bonsai, edible, fragrant, hedge

GROWING CONDITIONS for Prunus maritima

USDA Zones: 4a - 6b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This compact, medium-sized shrub from the Atlantic Coast reaches 5-6' in the wild, but can reach as much as 12' in cultivation is famed for its masses of wonderfully fragrant white flowers and abundant delicious small red-purple-nearly black plums which are a jelly makers dream; it creates dense colonies spreading by suckers and makes a great edible hedge anywhere, but is exceptionally useful in coastal locations as it is very tolerant of salt-spray. (This shrub has become endangered in Maine where commercial development has encroached on its habitat.)S/M
Its interesting that there aren't dozens of selections of Beach Plum! These twiggy shrubs, adapatble over a very wide range of conditions, are both showy in flower and in fruit. The plums are many colored and presented over a long time in summer. It is an up and coming plant that is for sure.
A round, dense shrub normally found on the east coast along the shore. Produces delicious fruit 1/2-1" across that are purple and ripen in August. They are used to make jams and jellies. Very salt tolerant. Grows to a mature size of 5-6' tall and wide.

Gardening facts about Prunus maritima plant

How to Grow Prunus maritima

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Fruit

    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Prunus for your garden

aka Fuji Cherry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-8'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Prunus incisa 'Kojo No Mai' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Variegated Portuguese Laurel

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 10'-20'

Width: 10'-20'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata' foliage by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Bitter Cherry, Oregon Cherry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 10'-50'

Width: 6'-30'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Prunus emarginata fruit by Conifer Kingdom
View Plant

aka Desert Almond, Desert Range Almond

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 7'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Prunus fasciculata foliage by Conifer Kingdom
View Plant

aka Klamath plum

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Prunus subcordata fruit by Conifer Kingdom
View Plant
+184 more Prunus
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved