Elephant Heart Plum Tree

Elephant Heart is a Japanese plum with large heart-shaped fruit, dark reddish-purple mottled skin, and firm, juicy red flesh. The [DWN cultivar listing](https://www.wheretobuy.davewilson.com/product-information/product/elephant-heart-plum) places its long harvest around September in Central California, reports 500 chill hours or less, and recommends Beauty or Santa Rosa as pollinizers. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun where the tree has room to grow and fruit can be picked easily. Japanese plums bloom in spring and generally need a compatible cultivar for pollination; [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/plums-in-the-home-garden) notes that another Japanese or American plum is suitable, while European plum pollen is not compatible with Japanese types. Use the Central California harvest date as a regional guide, since flowering and ripening depend on local winter and summer conditions. ## Maintenance Keep young trees evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply through dry periods and fruit development without leaving the soil saturated. Prune in late winter or early spring to form an open canopy and remove damaged or crossing branches. The nursery recommends a compatible pollinizer such as Beauty or Santa Rosa for reliable fruit set. Thin a heavy crop after frost danger has passed, and harvest when fruit is ripe and softens slightly. Remove fallen fruit and diseased debris around the tree.