How to Care for a Newport Flowering Plum Tree
Gardeners desiring an ornamental flowering plum tree should consider growing Newport (Prunus cerasifera 'Newport'). The tree makes an attractive addition to the landscape with its deep purple foliage. Newport is a hardy ornamental plum, growing well in containers, as a specimen or shade tree. It grows up to 15 feet tall and wide, making it a suitable choice for smaller gardens. The tree is deciduous and has a dense, rounded canopy. In springtime, bluish-pink flowers fill the tree and 1-inch, purplish fruits follow. Planted in its preferred growing conditions, Newport is a relatively maintenance-free garden addition. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Grow the Newport flowering plum tree in an area free of vegetation, which robs the tree of moisture and nutrients. Remove unwanted weeds and grass from an area approximately 3 feet in diameter. Keep the area weed-free while the plum tree is growing in the planting site.
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Plant the flowering plum in an area located in full sun.
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Grow the Newport plum tree in loose, well-drained soil that is acidic for the best foliage color. Planting in heavy, compacted soils promotes borer problems. The tree tolerates well-drained, sandy, loamy or clayey soils.
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Water newly planted trees two to three times each week to keep the soil moist while the tree establishes itself. Water established trees once each week. Newport flowering plum trees have a moderate tolerance to drought and perform best with regular watering.
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Fertilize the flowering plum tree three times each year with a 10-10-10 fertilizer blend, applied according to package instructions. Apply the fertilizer under the tree's canopy in late winter, early summer and late summer. Keep the fertilizer from butting against the plum tree's trunk, or burning can occur.
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Prune only to remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches. Use pruning shears or loppers and snip off the affected limbs. Newport flowering plum trees do not require pruning to grow properly.
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Treat pest problems such as aphids, scale or mealy bugs with a product safe for use on ornamental plum trees. Diagnose and treat pest problems as soon as possible. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Newport flowering plum trees are relatively short-lived and have a slow growth rate.
The tree grows well throughout USDA Hardiness Zones 4B through 7B.
Birds use the fruits as a food source.
Plant the tree away from walkways or patios, as the fallen fruits are messy.
