Elephant Heart Plum Tree produces one of the most dramatic fruits in the home orchard. Large, heart-shaped plums ripen beneath frosted dark reddish-purple skin, revealing juicy blood-red flesh with a rich sweet-tart balance and a subtle berry-like character. The striking interior makes every sliced fruit a showpiece, while its aromatic flavor is excellent fresh, baked into desserts, simmered into preserves, or paired with cheese. White spring blossoms precede a late crop that extends plum season toward fall. Developed and promoted by Luther Burbank, Elephant Heart has become a favorite among gardeners who value bold flavor and heirloom horticultural stories. This is not a quiet utility plum: it is a fruit to anticipate, cut open at the table, and share with anyone who thinks all plums taste alike. Elephant Heart was one of Luther Burbank’s late plum introductions and received its name from the fruit’s distinctive heart-like form and size.
Elephant Heart grows semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock and is suited to USDA zones 5–9, with a confirmed chill requirement of 500 hours or less. Harvest generally spans late August through late September. Plant in full sun, thin fruit, and support a strong open framework.
Elephant Heart requires a compatible Japanese plum. The confirmed available partner is Santa Rosa Plum.
Elephant Heart Plum Tree Details
Fruit: Large heart-shaped plums with frosted purple skin and blood-red flesh
Flavor and texture: Juicy, aromatic, rich, sweet-tart, and subtly berry-like
Best uses: Fresh eating, desserts, preserves, sauces, and cheese plates
Harvest: Late August to late September
USDA zones: 5–9
Chill hours: 500 or less
Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock
Rootstock: Citation
Pollination: Requires a compatible Japanese plum
Recommended pollinizers/companions: Santa Rosa Plum
Special care: Thin assertively and develop strong scaffolds for the large fruit
Something Special: Elephant Heart was one of Luther Burbank’s late plum introductions and received its name from the fruit’s distinctive heart-like form and size.
