Description Elephant Heart is a mid- to late-season Japanese plum valued for its large size, dark red flesh, and complex flavor. When allowed to fully ripen, it produces richly flavored fruit suited to both fresh eating and cooking. Developed by Luther Burbank, Elephant Heart was selected for its depth of flavor. Unlike early plums that favor quick sweetness, this variety develops its character with time on the tree—yielding fruit with a deeper, more layered profile once soft-ripe. The flesh is intensely colored and very juicy, making Elephant Heart equally appealing for eating out of hand and for use in sauces, jams, and baked desserts where color and flavor concentration matter. Overview Mid- to late-season Japanese plum Very large fruit with dark red flesh Complex, rich flavor at full ripeness Well suited to fresh eating and cooking Pollination required for consistent yields Growing Details Latin Name: Prunus salicina ’Elephant Heart’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Approx. 300–400 hoursHardiness: USDA Zone 5–9Rootstock: Marianna 2624Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Typically maintained at 12–15 ft tall and wide with pruningFlowering Time: Mid flowering (within plum / pluot types)Ripening Time: Mid to late season; typically late July into August depending on regionPollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible Japanese plum within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Standard plum considerations; good airflow improves fruit qualityYield: Moderate to good once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Elephant Heart shows its best qualities only when fully ripe. Allowing fruit to soften on the tree is key to unlocking its depth and complexity. Regional Insight: Performs best in regions with warm summers that allow fruit to fully mature. In cooler areas, choose the sunniest site available. Large fruit benefits from thinning to improve size and prevent limb stress. The deep red flesh carries through cooking, producing richly colored sauces and preserves. Explore more plums in our collection: Plum Trees
