Princess Kay Flowering Plum
Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay'
Princess Kay Flowering Plum (Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select® variety; suckers when mature.
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) rboles, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Summit Metro Parks, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 10 to 15 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~10 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Princess Kay Flowering Plum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Princess Kay Flowering Plum is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Princess Kay Flowering Plum get?
- It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide.
- How much room does Princess Kay Flowering Plum need?
- Give Princess Kay Flowering Plum about 10 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Princess Kay Flowering Plum grow into?
- Princess Kay Flowering Plum typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Princess Kay Flowering Plum hardy on the Front Range?
- Princess Kay Flowering Plum is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Princess Kay Flowering Plum need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Princess Kay Flowering Plum grow?
- Princess Kay Flowering Plum is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Princess Kay Flowering Plum live?
- Princess Kay Flowering Plum has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Princess Kay Flowering Plum safe for dogs?
- No. Princess Kay Flowering Plum is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Princess Kay Flowering Plum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Princess Kay Flowering Plum can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
