It sounds like this tree was pruned to a central leader. I like to prune plums, and especially asian plums, to a vase shape. Does it have any side branches that are less than 3 feet from the ground that you can use? Look up how to prune to a vase shape online. You want 3 or 4 side branches around the tree at no more than 3 feet. The dwarf plum trees that are sold in the USA are actually closer to semi dwarf, but by pruning to a vase and cutting off the water sprouts each year, those vigorous branches growing straight up, you can keep them at a nice height. I guess it would be OK to prune it now, even though it isn't the usual time. If it doesn't already have usable branches, or if it only has branches on one side of the tree, then you should probably wait until winter because you will have to cut it all off so it is just a stem about 2.5 or 3 feet high and start fresh. The new branches will grow very vigorously, so you will have to use something to bend them down where you want them as they are forming.

Thanks everyone! Yume, Graffiti and Viridi have very similar color patterns and inherited papilio's wide petalled "wings". Jungle Joy did not inherit this and has thinner petals which most probably is the reason why it is greener. It could be the cooler fall temps likewise. I will try to cross this one with Jungle Lady and hope to get more frilly petalled results with red picotee. I love them picoteed frills!

Trail, you have a wonderful collection there and I can't wait to see photos of it all planted! (hint hint, yes I love photos! LOL) I didn't take the other thread on local purchases as a negative response at all - there was a thread about online purchases from Bluestone, where others oo'd and aah'd and shared their lists, so the "local" thread was started (I believe) as just another point of discussion. I did chime in about the importance of buying local, but certainly there are times when it's not possible or even preferable. As I said in that other thread, I'm lucky to have a local option. And I'll add here, the online selection is much larger. I'm glad to have your Santa Rose and Brushwood recommendations to take note of - and again, can't wait to see all your goodies in the ground and flourishing! Congrats and good luck on your planting frenzy! :) Janet (who shops anywhere there are plants for sale, including garage sales and Wal-Mart!)

lol buyorsell! There's a Panicum virgatum Ruby Ribbons in there I swear! Back row, second from the left! I have just 6 or so grasses, most bought from Santa Rosa, every single one has done well with barely any extra care. Including a Phalaris arundinacea Strawberries & Cream, which I later read can be invasive...boy is that thing growing fast, so far I LOVE it! It went from a 3 inch pot to this in one year, last year. I haven't taken a picture of it this year. Here is a link that might be useful: Strawberries & Cream