Prunus domestica
£285.00
Frequently Bought Together
Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Plum Tree
- Botanical Name: Prunus domestica
- Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
- Form: Half-standard (clear stem with rounded head)
- Mature Height: 2.5–4m (half-standard form; can be kept smaller with pruning)
- Mature Spread: 2–3m
- Flowering Period: March to April
- Flower Colour: White
- Fruit: Medium to large plums (colour, flavour, and harvest time depend on variety); sweet or tangy, juicy flesh
- Foliage: Mid-green, turning yellow in autumn
- Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy throughout UK & Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile
- Aspect: Full sun (essential for best fruiting and flavour)
- Maintenance: Moderate (annual pruning, thinning, netting for birds)
Description
Prunus domestica in half-standard form is a classic, productive plum tree, ideal for gardens where space or structure is a consideration. Grafted onto a clear stem, this form features a rounded, bushy head—perfect for easy underplanting and for creating a sense of formality in borders, lawns, or as a feature tree in kitchen gardens.
In early spring, the tree is covered in a froth of white blossom, attracting pollinators and heralding the promise of a generous summer harvest. As the season progresses, the canopy fills with lush green leaves, and by late summer, the branches are heavy with plump, juicy plums. The exact colour, flavour, and harvest time will depend on the variety selected (please specify if you want a particular variety highlighted).
Half-standard plum trees are easy to manage, with fruit held at a convenient height for picking and pruning. The clear stem allows for mowing and underplanting with bulbs, herbs, or low perennials, making it a versatile choice for both productive and ornamental gardens.
Plums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, cropping reliably in Irish and UK gardens. They benefit from annual pruning after harvest to maintain shape and encourage strong new growth.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Space trees 2–3m apart for half-standards. Plant container-grown or bare-root trees in late autumn to early spring (November–March). Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged areas and frost pockets. Dig a generous hole, incorporate well-rotted compost, and plant at the same depth as in the nursery. Firm soil, water well, and mulch to retain moisture.
Space trees 2–3m apart for half-standards. Plant container-grown or bare-root trees in late autumn to early spring (November–March). Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged areas and frost pockets. Dig a generous hole, incorporate well-rotted compost, and plant at the same depth as in the nursery. Firm soil, water well, and mulch to retain moisture.
Soil Preparation:
Prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal. Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal. Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Pruning & Care:
Prune in late summer after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin fruit in early summer if the crop is heavy, to improve fruit size and quality. Net the tree as fruit ripens to protect from birds.
Prune in late summer after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin fruit in early summer if the crop is heavy, to improve fruit size and quality. Net the tree as fruit ripens to protect from birds.
Pollination:
Plum trees may be self-fertile or require a pollination partner—check the specific variety. Most modern garden plums are self-fertile, but yields are often higher with another tree nearby.
Plum trees may be self-fertile or require a pollination partner—check the specific variety. Most modern garden plums are self-fertile, but yields are often higher with another tree nearby.
Harvesting:
Pick plums when fully coloured and just softening to the touch. Enjoy fresh, or use for cooking, preserves, and desserts.
Pick plums when fully coloured and just softening to the touch. Enjoy fresh, or use for cooking, preserves, and desserts.
Pests & Problems:
Generally reliable and disease resistant. Watch for birds (netting recommended), aphids, and plum moth. Good hygiene and regular checks help keep trees healthy.
Generally reliable and disease resistant. Watch for birds (netting recommended), aphids, and plum moth. Good hygiene and regular checks help keep trees healthy.
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