Superior Plum
Prunus 'Superior'
Superior Plum (Prunus 'Superior') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Needs a cross pollinizer.
medium water15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus 'Superior'
- Variety / cultivar
- Superior
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- 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
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Superior Plum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Superior Plum is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Superior Plum get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Superior Plum need?
- Give Superior Plum about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Superior Plum grow into?
- Superior 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 Superior Plum hardy on the Front Range?
- Superior Plum is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Superior Plum need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Superior Plum grow?
- Superior Plum is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Superior Plum live?
- Superior Plum has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Superior Plum safe for dogs?
- No. Superior Plum is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Superior Plum deer-resistant?
- No. Superior Plum is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Superior Plum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Superior 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.
