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 10–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select® variety; suckers when mature.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay'
- Variety / cultivar
- Princess Kay
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~10 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
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.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–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 10–15 ft tall and 6–10 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 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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 deer-resistant?
- No. Princess Kay Flowering Plum is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- 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.
