The short answer

Quick Answer

Plum Tree thrives in full sun on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 3 to 5m depending on rootstock. pixy is dwarfing at 2.5 to 3m. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Never prune in winter. Prune only on dry summer days, June to August, to avoid silver leaf disease

How: Remove dead, diseased and crossing wood. Thin crowded branches for air flow. See RHS plum pruning guide

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Caucasus region and western Asia

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated in Europe for over 2,000 years

Folklore: In English tradition, plum trees were sometimes planted near the house to bring good luck

Fun fact: Damsons, gages and bullaces are all forms of Prunus domestica and were developed in different regions

Historical medicinal uses: Plums are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit blossom. Most varieties need a pollination partner [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 7 out of 10 Medium to high. Blossom is early and feeds emerging bees[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 6 out of 10 White blossom in March and April. Fruit July to September[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Underplant with comfrey or alliums

Pest control: Grease bands for winter moth

Common diseases and issues: Silver leaf, plum leaf curl aphid, brown rot, bacterial canker. See RHS plum problems advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

We never prune plums in winter because the cuts do not heal quickly and silver leaf disease gets in. We prune on a dry day in July or August, with secateurs dipped in methylated spirit between trees. Victoria on St Julien A rootstock is our default for most gardens.

CGM guides mentioning Plum Tree

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Plum Tree and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Plum Tree

How Plum Tree fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Apple Tree, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Pear Tree, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Cherry Tree (Fruiting), compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Fig, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime
  • Hazel, compatible fruiting plants, similar pruning and feeding regime

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Plum Tree.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Plum Tree are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Plum Tree (Prunus domestica). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Plum Tree. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Prunus domestica. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Rosaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Carrasco-Rueda F, Hacket-Pain A (2018). Phenology and fruit production in Rosaceae species. Journal of Ecology, 106(4), 1568-1581.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Rosaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: seasonal_highlight, pollinators, biodiversity_value, feeding.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Plum Tree. The pollinator description above ("Bees visit blossom. Most varieties need a pollination partner") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium to high. Blossom is early and feeds emerging bees") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "White blossom in March and April. Fruit July to September"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit blossom. Most varieties need a pollination partner"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Plum Tree's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium to high. Blossom is early and feeds emerging bees") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Plum Tree. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Plum Tree's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Rosaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Plum Tree. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Plum Tree. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Plum Tree. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Plum Tree. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Plum Tree. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Plum Tree. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Plum Tree. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Plum Tree performs well locally

Towns where Plum Tree is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

View all areas we cover