Princess Kay Plum Tree Help

The Princess Kay plum tree is a small, versatile plum cultivar that offers color and flowers to the home landscape. Though Princess Kay plum trees are adaptable to many conditions, even the smallest details can mean the health or decline of your prized plant. A little help along the way makes cultivation and care a less challenging process.

Identification

Princess Kay plum trees (Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay') are also referred to as double flowered Canadian plums. The tree was discovered in Minnesota by Catherine Kay, after whom it was named, and Robert Nyland. A wild plum tree, Princess Kay is considered a small deciduous ornamental tree that reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Identify your tree as a Princess Kay before employing care for best success. When in doubt, contact your local county extension agent for assistance.

Ornamental Features

Princess Kay plum trees display an abundance of fragrant double 1 inch flowers in a white hue that change to light pink. Flower bloom in May but are short-lived with a life cycle lasting only up to 10 days, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. You can verify that your tree is a Princess Kay in comparison to other trees because the double flowers result in little to no fruit production.

Culture

If your trees appear unhealthy or if you are unsure of your Princess Kay plum tree's needs, maintain appropriate cultural conditions. Provide a location that offers full sunlight for optimal health and flowering. Though this tree tolerates a wide variety of soil types, ideal conditions include moist, well-drained soil, according to the Colorado Tree Coalition. Grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.

Use

Determine placement of your Princess Kay plum tree based on where it is best suited in the home landscape. With a fast growth rate, dense branches and round shape, this plum tree offers aesthetic impact when grouped. Additionally, Princess Kay trees are well-suited as a visually pleasing specimen or privacy plant.

Considerations

Consider the addition of a layer of organic mulch to the soil surrounding your Princess Kay plum tree, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Mulches like wood chips provide needed moisture retention and inhibit the growth of invasive weeds. Plum trees are hosts to many pests that first take up residency on weeds and then move to your home garden trees. Mulch prevents future problems and aids in maintaining daily health.