Prunus domestica (D/C)
plum
A small, twiggy, deciduous tree generally with arching or drooping branches. It has white blossom in early spring followed in late summer or early autumn by plum fruits with golden or greenish-yellow flesh and black, blue, purple, red or yellow skin. Many cultivated varieties of plum have been developed from this species.
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black Blue Purple Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black Blue Purple Red Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in a sheltered position in moist, but well-drained soil, ideally with a pH of 6 to 6.5. Suitable for fan training. Irrigate in dry periods. Fruit thinning may be required
Propagation
Propagate by chip budding or grafting. Trees grown from stones will not resemble the parent
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Wall side borders
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Benefits from regular pruning according to tree form, see pruning plums or pruning established fans
Pests
Can suffer from plum aphid, caterpillars, fruit tree red spider mite, brown scale, plum moth and bullfinches
Diseases
May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Get involved
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