Laroda Plum Tree

Laroda Plum Tree is a richly flavored Japanese plum that brings deep color and lively sweet-tart character to midsummer. Medium fruit develops vibrant purple skin around juicy red-and-amber flesh, creating a beautiful contrast when sliced. The bold flavor is excellent fresh and has enough acidity and concentration for baking, preserves, sauces, and desserts.

White spring blossoms bring ornamental appeal before the colorful crop forms, while the tree’s warm-climate adaptability makes it especially useful in suitable western gardens. Laroda is a good choice for gardeners who find mild plums forgettable and want fruit with brightness as well as sugar. Eaten over the sink, baked into a rustic tart, or cooked into jewel-toned jam, its combination of juice, color, and tang makes the harvest feel distinct from more familiar plum varieties.

Laroda grows semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock and is suited to USDA zones 6–9, with a confirmed 400-hour chill requirement. In suitable climates, harvest generally spans late July through mid-August. Plant in full sun, thin clusters, and maintain consistent irrigation while fruit develops.

Laroda requires a compatible Japanese plum. Confirmed available partners include Burgundy and Santa Rosa.

Laroda Plum Tree Details

• Fruit: Medium plums with vibrant purple skin and red-and-amber flesh
• Flavor and texture: Juicy, bold, sweet-tart, and richly flavored
• Best uses: Fresh eating, baking, preserves, sauces, and desserts
• Harvest: Late July to mid-August, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 6–9
• Chill hours: 400
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock
• Pollination: Requires another compatible Japanese plum
• Recommended pollinizers/companions: Burgundy or Santa Rosa
• Special care: Thin fruit and keep moisture even through ripening
• Something Special: Laroda was developed in California through the USDA stone-fruit breeding program and released during the mid-twentieth century.

Orchard Planning Resources

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