The Plum ‘Starburst’ (Prunus avium ‘Sunburst’) is a popular ornamental flowering tree. This deciduous tree offers year-round visual interest, making it a favored choice for many gardens. Its appeal stems from its spring blooms, changing foliage, and manageable size. Gardeners value its versatility and straightforward care, adding aesthetic value and potential harvests to the landscape.
Distinctive Features
Spring Blooms
The spring display of the Plum ‘Starburst’ features abundant white to light pink blossoms. These delicate flowers emerge in mid-spring, creating a striking visual impact and attracting pollinators like bees to the garden.
Summer and Fall Foliage
Throughout summer, the leaves are deep, glossy green, providing a lush backdrop. As autumn approaches, the foliage shifts to vibrant reddish and orange tones. This seasonal color change extends the tree’s visual interest beyond the flowering period.
Size and Form
Plum ‘Starburst’ grows into a medium-sized tree with a rounded, spreading canopy. It reaches 4 to 8 meters (13 to 26 feet) tall and spreads 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) wide. Its vigorous growth can be managed through consistent pruning.
Planting and Care
Site Selection
Plum ‘Starburst’ thrives in full sun, ideally at least eight hours daily. The tree prefers well-drained, fertile soil, with a preference for loam. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging to prevent root issues.
Planting Process
The ideal time to plant Plum ‘Starburst’ is during the fall or early spring when the tree is dormant. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, matching its nursery depth. Incorporate organic matter into the backfill soil to promote healthy root establishment. After placing the tree, backfill the hole, gently firm the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk, to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Watering
Consistent watering is important for newly planted trees, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply once a week after the initial establishment period, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly moistened. Established trees typically require less supplemental watering, relying on natural rainfall, but may need additional water during prolonged dry spells or periods of drought. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root problems.
Fertilizing
Many properly planted Plum ‘Starburst’ trees may not require extensive fertilization if the soil is adequately fertile. If the tree exhibits slow growth, characterized by less than eight inches of new branch growth annually, a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied in early spring. Scatter the fertilizer around the tree’s drip line, the area beneath the outermost branches, rather than directly against the trunk, and then water it in. Annually adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can also provide beneficial nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the tree’s shape, promoting an open canopy, and preventing disease. The best time to prune Plum ‘Starburst’ is typically in the summer, immediately after the fruit harvest, or in late winter to early spring before bud break. This timing helps reduce the risk of common fungal diseases like silver leaf and bacterial canker. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the canopy.
Common Challenges
Pests
Plum ‘Starburst’ can be susceptible to several common garden pests. Aphids, particularly cherry blackfly, may cause leaves to curl and distort. Other potential pests include leaf-mining moths, winter moths, and various caterpillars that feed on foliage. Borers can also affect the tree, leading to weakened branches or trunks.
Diseases
The tree may encounter various diseases, including bacterial canker, which causes lesions and oozing on branches. Fungal issues like brown rot, anthracnose, and cherry leaf spot can lead to wilting flowers, premature leaf drop, or spots on foliage. Silver leaf and blossom wilt are additional concerns that can affect overall tree health. Regular inspection and proper cultural practices help manage these issues.
Environmental Stress
Environmental factors can also impact the health of Plum ‘Starburst’. Insufficient chilling hours during winter dormancy can lead to poor flowering and reduced fruit set. Extreme temperatures, either prolonged heat or severe cold, can cause stress, leading to issues like leaf discoloration or reduced vigor. Improper watering, whether too little or too much, or compacted soil conditions can also negatively affect the tree’s performance.
Landscape Uses
Plum ‘Starburst’ integrates well into various landscape designs. Its moderate size makes it suitable as a specimen tree or an accent plant in mixed borders. This tree can also be used in smaller gardens or large containers, especially when grown on dwarfing rootstock. For structured designs, it can be fan-trained against walls, maximizing space and warmth for enhanced fruit production. Its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits make it a valuable addition to many garden settings.