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Fruit EdibleTreesSynonym

Prunus domestica 'Mirabelle'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

damson

A small, twiggy, occasionally spiny, deciduous tree. Small, white flowers appear in early spring, followed by rounded fruit which may be yellow, red, green or purple. Many cultivated varieties of damson have been developed from this species.

Other common names
damson plum
mirabelle
see morewintercrack
bullace
Synonyms
Prunus domestica 'Mirabelle'
Prunus domestica subsp. insititia
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green Green Purple Red Yellow
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & S Europe N Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in a sheltered position in moist, but well-drained soil. See damson cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by chip budding or grafting. Trees grown from stones will not normally resemble the parent

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Regular pruning required according to tree form; see pruning plums or pruning established fans

Pests

May be susceptible to plum aphid, caterpillars, fruit tree red spider mite, brown scale, plum moth and damage by wasps and birds

Diseases

May be affected by silver leaf. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa

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