Assyrian Plum: A Sweet Addition to Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for an unusual fruiting shrub that can handle heat and produce fragrant flowers, you might want to get acquainted with the Assyrian plum (Cordia myxa). This lesser-known plant brings a touch of Middle Eastern charm to American gardens, though it’s definitely not for everyone or everywhere.
What Exactly Is an Assyrian Plum?
The Assyrian plum is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not actually a plum at all! This non-native species originally hails from Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, but has made its way to warmer parts of the United States.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
In the United States, Cordia myxa has established itself in Florida, where it reproduces on its own in the wild. The warm, subtropical climate there mimics its native habitat perfectly.
What Makes It Garden-Worthy
The Assyrian plum offers several appealing features that might catch a gardener’s eye:
- Clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that perfume the air
- Glossy, bright green leaves that stay attractive year-round
- Orange-red fruits that are actually edible (and quite sweet!)
- Excellent heat and drought tolerance once established
- Attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators
Garden Role and Landscape Fit
This shrub works well as a specimen plant, in Mediterranean-style gardens, or as part of a xerophytic landscape design. It’s particularly suited for fruit gardens where you want something a bit different from the usual suspects. The fragrant flowers and unusual fruits make it a great conversation starter!
Growing Conditions and Care
Assyrian plum is surprisingly low-maintenance once you get it settled in:
- Sunlight: Loves full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential—it hates wet feet
- Water: Regular watering during the first year, then quite drought tolerant
- Climate: Best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning needed, just remove dead or damaged branches
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting your Assyrian plum off to a good start is pretty straightforward. Plant in spring after the last frost, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and water regularly for the first growing season. Once established, this tough little shrub can handle considerable heat and dry spells.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get a bit nuanced. While Assyrian plum isn’t considered invasive, it is a non-native species that has naturalized in Florida. If you’re in zones 9-11 and love unique fruiting plants that can handle heat, it might be worth considering. However, you might also want to explore native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Consider native options like beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) for wildlife-friendly berries, or native viburnums for fragrant flowers and fruits that birds adore. These alternatives will give you many of the same garden benefits while supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
The Bottom Line
Assyrian plum is an interesting choice for warm climate gardeners who want something unusual and low-maintenance. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not currently causing ecological problems either. If you decide to grow it, you’ll be rewarded with fragrant flowers, edible fruits, and a conversation piece that most of your neighbors probably won’t recognize. Just remember to consider native alternatives that might serve your garden—and local wildlife—even better!
