About
A compact, reliably fruiting culinary damson to 2.5-4m in height depending upon the rootstock. Self-fertile, pollination group 4. Flowers white, fruit very dark blue.
About the genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationKeep a weed-free area of at least 60cm radius around trunk. Thin fruits if necessary. Irrigate in dry periods. Less susceptible to frost damage than many other cultivars
PruningRegular pruning required according to tree form; pruning plums, pruning established fans
PropagationPropagate by chip budding or grafting on rootstock for fruit
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, fruit tree red spider mite, brown scale, plum moth and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus