Weeping Santa Rosa

Plum

Size

Medium-large (similar range to standard Santa Rosa)

Shape

Round, reddish-purple/claret skin

Flavor

Sweet with slight tartness; some sources describe it as even richer-tasting than standard Santa Rosa, though not well corroborated

Texture

Firm, juicy

Ripening window

Uncertain/regionally variable - the originating nursery (Dave Wilson) says June 30 - July 15; other retailers say 2-3 weeks later than standard Santa Rosa, into late July - September

Best uses

Fresh eating, baking, preserving

Pollination

Self-fertile - no pollinator needed

Tree size

8-10 ft, semi-dwarf weeping habit - notably smaller than standard Santa Rosa's 18-20 ft

Notes

A genuinely distinct, separately propagated weeping-growth-habit sport of Santa Rosa (Prunus salicina) - same fruit lineage/flavor, different tree architecture; sold by multiple nurseries as its own grafted fruiting selection, not just an ornamental form. Yields reported as lighter than standard Santa Rosa; requires training/staking while young to develop the weeping form. Chill requirement 200-400 hours, zones 5/6-10 depending on retailer - good zone 8a fit.