Bruce Plum Tree

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4-5 ft

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6-7 ft

$150.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 5–9. Bruce Plum Trees perform especially well in warm-temperate climates with hot summers and enough winter cold to provide approximately 500–600 chill hours.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Bruce Plum Tree, scientifically known as Prunus salicina × angustifolia ‘Bruce’, is a productive hybrid plum tree known for its large, bright red fruit and juicy yellow flesh with a sweet, mildly tart flavor. Fragrant white spring blossoms develop into flavorful plums that ripen in early summer and are excellent for fresh eating, canning, preserves, and desserts. Developed in Texas, Bruce is especially well suited to warm climates with mild to moderate winters.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Bruce Plum Trees grow and produce fruit best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plenty of sunlight supports healthy flowering, fruit development, and ripening.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crowded branches to keep the tree healthy and allow sunlight and airflow through the canopy. Avoid excessive pruning.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, fertilize in spring if needed with a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees. Avoid overfertilizing, which can encourage excessive leafy growth instead of fruit production.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Bruce Plum Trees generally need little winter protection within their recommended growing zones. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Spring flowers can be damaged by a late freeze, which may reduce fruit production for that year.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location for your Bruce Plum Tree that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil with good air circulation. Avoid low-lying areas where water or cold air tends to collect. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen any circling or tightly bound roots. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, keeping the graft union above the soil line. Backfill using only the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil, water slowly and deeply, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone while keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Space Bruce Plum Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Bruce Plum Trees perform best in USDA Zones 5–9, particularly in regions with warm summers and enough winter cold to satisfy their chilling requirement. Bruce generally requires approximately 500–600 chill hours for reliable flowering and fruit production. Its heat adaptability makes it particularly useful in the South and other warm-temperate regions, provided the location receives sufficient winter chill. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for the healthiest growth and best fruit production.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Bruce Plum Tree get?

A Bruce Plum Tree typically reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity. Mature size can vary depending on rootstock, climate, soil, pruning, and growing conditions.

How fast does a Bruce Plum Tree grow?

Bruce Plum Trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing approximately 1–2 feet per year under favorable conditions. Growth varies based on rootstock, sunlight, soil, moisture, climate, and overall tree health.

Where is the best place to plant a Bruce Plum Tree?

Plant your Bruce Plum Tree in full sun with well-draining soil and good air circulation. A location receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day will support the best flowering and fruit production.

How far apart should I plant Bruce Plum Trees?

Space Bruce Plum Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart to provide adequate room for their mature canopies and maintain good sunlight exposure and airflow.

When does a Bruce Plum Tree bloom?

Bruce Plum Trees produce attractive white flowers in spring. Exact bloom timing varies depending on climate and seasonal temperatures.

Does a Bruce Plum Tree need a pollinator?

Yes. Bruce Plum Trees require another compatible plum variety with an overlapping bloom period for reliable fruit production. Planting Bruce alone may result in little or no fruit.

What is a good pollinator for a Bruce Plum Tree?

Methley Plum is an excellent pollination partner for Bruce because their bloom periods can overlap. Other compatible early-blooming plum varieties may also provide cross-pollination

How close should a pollinator be to a Bruce Plum Tree?

For the best results, plant the compatible plum within about 50–100 feet of Bruce. Closer is generally better because bees and other pollinating insects transfer pollen between the trees.

How long does it take a Bruce Plum Tree to produce fruit?

Bruce Plum Trees may begin producing fruit approximately 2–4 years after planting, depending on the tree’s age, rootstock, pollination, climate, and growing conditions.

When are Bruce plums ready to harvest?

Bruce is an early-season plum, typically ripening around June, although harvest timing can shift earlier or later depending on climate and seasonal weather.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.