Prunus insititia (F)
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.
Synonyms
Prunus domestica 'Mirabelle'Prunus domestica subsp. insititia
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical 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
- 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
Get involved
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