This tree is cold-hardy to zone 3, possibly even 2b. It blooms late and is not self-fertile; it will require another Japanese, Japanese-native hybrid, or a native plum (P. nigra or P. americana) for pollination. The pollination of Japanese-American hybrids is poorly understood, but the most reliable pollinator - especially for growers in cold climates - will be a native plum, while European plums will not pollinate this variety. Appropriate hybrid pollinators include Alderman, Superior, and South Dakota. (Pembina is itself not considered to be a good pollinator.)

Ripening in the second half of August, Pembina is a medium-large, slightly pointed, semi-cling plum with bright red skin. The yellow flesh is sweet and juicy, with notes of apricot. This is considered one of the best cold-hardy hybrids for fresh eating, and a fair plum for processing. 

Pembina was developed by Niels Hansen at the South Dakota Agricultural Research Station. It was selected in 1917 and introduced in 1923. This plum is a cross of a Prunus salicina (Japanese plum, Red June) and Prunus nigra (the Canadian wild plum chosen for its thin skin and cold hardiness). Pembina is named after a river that flows through Manitoba, Canada and northeastern North Dakota. The word is originally Obijwe for Viburnum edule, a native bushy shrub bearing red berries.