Plum Trees
Wonderful fruiting trees with Red, Purple and Yellow Plum tree varieties all available for sale in the UK. As they like a little warmth but are not suited to espalier techniques it is worth considering training plum trees against a wall in a fan shape.
Plum trees trained against a wall will not produce as much fruit as a free standing tree, however in cool climates you will get better fruit. The fruit receives more sun which assists in promoting the ripening and production of the sugars which give the plums taste.
- Choose a south facing wall or fence. Brick walls retain warmth so are excellent.
- Some bird netting can be attached to the top of the wall and 'dropped over the tree' to protect the fruit.
- Choose a plant that has been trained as a fan when you buy the plant.
- Space required will depend on the rootstock, for smaller spaces choose a dwarfing rootstock.
Basic Plum Tree Care
Plum trees need to be planted with consideration for the final size as they can grow to 35ft. Many plum trees in home gardens are now espaliered. Plum trees require a warm position to do well and may be purchased bare root in Autumn.
How to choose a Plum Tree.
Plum Trees vary greatly in the type, colour and taste of the fruit they will produce.
- eating plums (gages)
- cooking plums ( damsons)
Size of Plum Tree
This will depend on the rootstock. Plum Tree Rootstocks include St Julien A and Pixy. Pixy is a dwarfing rootstock
Varieties
Cultivars (Prunus Avium) suitable for the UK include: Victoria, Avalon, Czar, Excalibur, Blue Tit, Lizzie, Opal, King Damson, Damson Merryweather, Golden Drop, Greengage, Jefferson Gage, Golden Gage, Marjories seedling and Dennistons superb.
Plum Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
WALCOT ORGANIC NURSERY - Tel: & Fax: 01905 841587
Lower Walcot Farm, Walcot Lane, Drakes Broughton, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 2AL
ASHRIDGE TREES Limited - Tel.: +44 (0) 1963 359444 Fax: +44 (0) 1963 359445
Grove Cross Barn, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7NJ
BLACKMOOR NURSERIES
Bla
ckmoor, Nr Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6BS No. 201364
CHEW VALLEY TREES Tel: 01275 333 752
Winford Road Chew Magna Bristol BS40 8HJ
POMONA FRUITS
Pomona House, 12 Third Avenue, Walton-on-Naze.