Plum - Mariposa

Common Name:
Mariposa Plum

Description:
The Mariposa plum (Prunus salicina 'Mariposa') is a popular Japanese blood plum variety, known for its large, heart-shaped fruit with deep red skin and rich, dark red flesh. This mid-to-late season plum has a sweet, juicy flavour with a slight tang, making it ideal for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves. The tree is a vigorous grower with an upright spreading habit, producing delicate white blossoms in early spring that attract pollinators. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and requires moderate winter chill to ensure good fruiting. While Mariposa is partially self-fertile, planting it alongside other Japanese plum varieties, such as Santa Rosa or Satsuma, will improve fruit set and yield.

Form:

• Tree - Small
• Tree - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–5m (can be pruned smaller)
• Width: 3–4m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Early Spring

Flower Colour:

• White

Key Attributes:

• Edible Fruit
• Partially Self-Pollinating (benefits from a pollinator)
• Suitable for Espalier
• Suitable for Pots (when grown as a dwarf variety)
• Bee Attracting
• Heavy Fruiting Variety
• Excellent for Fresh Eating and Preserves

Toxicity:

• Leaves, seeds, and pits contain cyanogenic compounds and should not be consumed

Companion Plants:

• Other Japanese plum varieties (Santa Rosa, Satsuma) for cross-pollination
• Peaches and nectarines (similar growing conditions)
• Lavender (attracts pollinators)
• Borage (improves fruit set)
• Marigolds (helps deter pests)