Plum trees fall into three categories: European plums, Japanese plums and American hybrids that are a cross of the first two types. Each type of tree thrives in a different climate.
European plum trees grow in moderate climates, and they are planted in the United States more than the other trees, according to the National Gardening Association. Japanese plum trees are more delicate, and they thrive in warmer climates, similar to peach trees. American hybrid plum trees are designed to survive the coldest winters, although they also thrive in the Southeast. Japanese plum trees need another Japanese or hybrid tree nearby for cross-pollination, but most European varieties thrive when planted alone.