Plum trees (Prunus salicina) can be self- or cross-pollinating; their massive display of white flowers make them an impressive ornamental tree. Trees produce fruit at a young age - grafted trees have been known to produce a crop their first year.
Fertilize trees every few years. Fertilizers with nitrogen promote growth of leaves, but excessive nitrogen can interfere with the growth of flowers. Plums need long periods of sun exposure. Insufficient sun pales colors and reduces leaf development. Soil should be moist and well-drained. Insufficient water wilts trees; excessive water deprives roots of oxygen and promotes diseases and rots. Water trees early or late in the day. Pinching off stem tops when the tree is young promotes branching. Thinning of branches lets in more sunlight and reduces the chances of diseases. General pruning guidelines recommend never removing more than one third of the tree.
Staking of trees is important if there is exposure to high winds. Trees over 12 feet should be staked using two low stakes on opposite sides of the tree. Allow for the tree to sway back and forth a bit. Although there is record of the leaves and seeds producing hydrogen cyanide, the amount produced is small and the danger limited.