Cocheco Asian Plum is a striking red-leafed tree developed by Elwyn Meader of New Hampshire that combines ornamental beauty with genuine productivity. The upright, vigorous tree produces round, pinkish-orange fruit with yellow flesh that ripens in late July, thriving in hardiness zones 5 through 9. At 12 feet tall when mature, it's winter hardy, disease resistant, and notably easy to grow, though it does require an Asian plum pollinizer to set fruit.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
144in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Bred specifically for cold climates by a legendary pomologist, this variety delivers the ornamental drama of red foliage alongside reliable fruit production. The pinkish-orange fruits with golden flesh appear reliably in late July on a naturally upright tree that reaches just 12 feet. Its combination of winter hardiness, disease resistance, and the decorative appeal of its colored leaves makes it a tree that earns its space in the garden year-round, not just at harvest.
As an edible fruit tree with ornamental foliage, Cocheco Asian Plum serves dual purposes in the landscape and kitchen. The summer-ripening fruit can be eaten fresh from the tree or used in preserves, jams, and baked goods. The red-leafed form also makes it valuable as an ornamental specimen tree, combining productive fruit bearing with the visual interest of colored foliage throughout the growing season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Bare-root or container trees can be planted in early spring or fall. Position the graft union (if present) about 2 inches above the soil line. Space trees 15 to 20 feet apart to allow for mature canopy spread and ease of harvest. Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season.
Harvest Cocheco plums in late July when the pinkish-orange skin deepens and the fruit yields to gentle pressure. The fruit should separate easily from the branch with a slight twist; if it resists, wait a day or two for full ripeness. Eat fresh immediately or preserve within a few days of picking for best flavor and texture.
Train young trees to an open-center or central-leader form by selecting 3 to 4 strong main branches and removing competing leaders. In subsequent years, prune in late winter to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing wood and to thin dense growth in the canopy center. The upright, vigorous growth habit generally requires moderate pruning to maintain shape and encourage air circulation, which reduces fungal issues.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Cocheco Asian Plum was developed by Elwyn Meader, a renowned fruit breeder at the University of New Hampshire who dedicated decades to creating cold-hardy fruit varieties for northern gardens. Meader's work in the mid-20th century transformed what was possible for home growers in zones 5 and colder, and his plum cultivars remain benchmarks for winter hardiness and disease resistance. This variety carries his legacy of practical breeding: creating fruit trees that don't just survive northern winters but thrive in them.”