Beauty Asian Plum is a Japanese plum hybrid that delivers one of the richest flavor experiences among stone fruits, offering a captivating balance of sweetness and tartness in a single bite. Introduced in 1911 by legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank, this variety bears bright red, medium-sized fruits with amber-streaked flesh and grows into a fast, productive tree reaching 12 to 16 feet tall. Hardy from zones 5 through 9 and blooming in summer, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and neutral soil, making it especially valuable for gardeners in cooler climates where traditional Japanese plums often struggle.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
192in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Beauty represents Burbank's personal vision of plum perfection, combining exceptional sweetness with a sophisticated tartness that melts on the palate. The tree's early productivity and extreme vigor mean you'll harvest abundant fruit within just a year or two of planting. Unlike the Santa Rosa plum, which inspired its development, Beauty was specifically bred to flourish in cool-climate regions, giving northern gardeners access to the complex flavor profile typically reserved for warmer zones.
Beauty Asian Plum fruit is best enjoyed fresh, where its rich flavor and melting texture shine without intervention. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes the fruit equally suited to eating out of hand or incorporating into desserts where both complexity and brightness matter.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Pick fruit when the skin has fully developed its bright red coloring with amber streaking, and the flesh yields slightly to gentle pressure. Beauty fruit reaches medium size; harvest when fully colored but still firm for better storage, or allow it to soften slightly on the tree if eating fresh immediately. Ripe plums detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist.
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“Beauty Asian Plum emerged from Luther Burbank's extensive plum breeding program in the early 20th century. Burbank, the preeminent plant developer of his era, counted Beauty among his personal favorites, and the variety was officially introduced to gardeners in 1911. This heirloom cultivar represents Burbank's commitment to developing stone fruits that could thrive beyond the traditional growing regions, expanding the possibilities for home orchardists across North America. Its survival and continued propagation reflects both its horticultural merit and the enduring appeal of varieties bearing the Burbank name.”