Product description
This Opal plum tree is undemanding and easy to grow yet produces an impressive yield of fruit reliably every year. The plums are ready to harvest from mid-summer, making this cultivar one of the earliest to ripen. The fruits themselves have yellow flesh and purple skins flushed with red. They are ideal for cooking up delicious desserts and preserves or can be enjoyed straight from the tree.
White five-petalled flowers blossom on the tree from April to May, before the fruit starts to ripen in mid-late summer. The toothed green foliage is deciduous, and the tree loses its leaves each autumn before bursting back into life the following spring. Suitable for growing in pots and containers, opal plums make ideal fruit trees for small gardens.
Opal plum is a reliable self-pollinating tree and, at maturity, produces plenty of fruit year after year. Frost resistant and fully hardy in the UK, it thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot in moist, well-draining, loamy or sandy soil. It is simple to look after, only needing watered during dry spells and requiring minimal pruning.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Plum Tree
Plum 'Opal'
Plum 'Opal'
Product description
This Opal plum tree is undemanding and easy to grow yet produces an impressive yield of fruit reliably every year. The plums are ready to harvest from mid-summer, making this cultivar one of the earliest to ripen. The fruits themselves have yellow flesh and purple skins flushed with red. They are ideal for cooking up delicious desserts and preserves or can be enjoyed straight from the tree.
White five-petalled flowers blossom on the tree from April to May, before the fruit starts to ripen in mid-late summer. The toothed green foliage is deciduous, and the tree loses its leaves each autumn before bursting back into life the following spring. Suitable for growing in pots and containers, opal plums make ideal fruit trees for small gardens.
Opal plum is a reliable self-pollinating tree and, at maturity, produces plenty of fruit year after year. Frost resistant and fully hardy in the UK, it thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot in moist, well-draining, loamy or sandy soil. It is simple to look after, only needing watered during dry spells and requiring minimal pruning.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune your plum tree in late spring or early summer to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid winter pruning to reduce the risk of infection. Thin out excess fruits in early summer, leaving about 5–8 cm between the remaining plums, to improve air circulation and encourage larger, healthier fruits. With proper care, your tree will produce abundant and delicious plums year after year.
How to Water
Water plum trees deeply after planting and regularly during their first year to establish strong roots, especially during dry spells. Mature trees require less frequent watering, but they should be watered during prolonged dry periods and when the fruit is developing to ensure a healthy yield. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as it can cause root rot. Early morning or evening watering is best to minimise evaporation and ensure the tree benefits fully from the moisture.
How to Plant
To plant a plum tree, select a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining, fertile soil. Prepare the area by digging a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, loosening the soil at the base to encourage root growth. Place the tree in the hole so the graft union sits above the soil level, then backfill with soil, firming gently around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot. Stake young trees to provide support in their initial years.
