Elephant Heart Plum Tree

Elephant Heart Plum Tree produces one of the most dramatic fruits in the home orchard. Large, heart-shaped plums ripen beneath frosted dark reddish-purple skin, revealing juicy blood-red flesh with a rich sweet-tart balance and a subtle berry-like character. The striking interior makes every sliced fruit a showpiece, while its aromatic flavor is excellent fresh, baked into desserts, simmered into preserves, or paired with cheese.

White spring blossoms precede a late crop that extends plum season toward fall. Developed and promoted by Luther Burbank, Elephant Heart has become a favorite among gardeners who value bold flavor and heirloom horticultural stories. This is not a quiet utility plum: it is a fruit to anticipate, cut open at the table, and share with anyone who thinks all plums taste alike.

Elephant Heart grows semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock and is suited to USDA zones 5–9, with a confirmed chill requirement of 500 hours or less. In suitable climates, harvest generally spans late August through late September. Plant in full sun, thin fruit, and support a strong open framework.

Elephant Heart requires a compatible Japanese plum. The confirmed available partner is Santa Rosa Plum.

Elephant Heart Plum Tree Details

• Fruit: Large heart-shaped plums with frosted purple skin and blood-red flesh
• Flavor and texture: Juicy, aromatic, rich, sweet-tart, and subtly berry-like
• Best uses: Fresh eating, desserts, preserves, sauces, and cheese plates
• Harvest: Late August to late September, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Chill hours: 500 or less
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock
• Pollination: Requires a compatible Japanese plum
• Recommended pollinizers/companions: Santa Rosa Plum
• Special care: Thin assertively and develop strong scaffolds for the large fruit
• Something Special: Elephant Heart was one of Luther Burbank’s late plum introductions and received its name from the fruit’s distinctive heart-like form and size.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart