Ornamental Plum (PRUNUS NIGRA PRINCESS KAY) - 'Princess Kay'
This cold hardy ornamental plum puts on quite a spring show with a multitude of double white blooms and smooth, dark brown bark! ‘Princess Kay’ is a fast growing compact tree with a neat, oval-shaped crown and attractive foliage. The delight doesn't end there - in the fall, leaves turn a spectacular red and when they drop, the gorgeous bark is exposed throughout winter months. Even better still, this is a sterile variety that won't set any fruit! 'Princess Kay' is a quality flowering plum and an excellent, hardy choice for colder areas.
PRINCESS KAY® PLUM reaches 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide at maturity and is cold hardy at USDA Hardiness zone 3. When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It does however, have moderate water needs and is not considered drought tolerant. 'Princess Kay' is not particular as to soil type or pH and is also very tolerant of urban pollution. This trees canopy is low - about 3 feet from the ground - and can be planted near power lines. It sets blooms in early spring and is considered deer resistant as well as good for pollination. Once established, it has moderate water needs. Under ideal conditions, can live for approximately 30 years.
Prune out any dead branches in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed using appropriate methods as this tree does need occasional upkeep. From time to time, 'Princess Kay' will grow a sucker which can be cut back in summer and any seedling shoots should be pulled.