Plum tree
Prunus domestica
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Prunus domestica, an old European species with many regional varieties: Mirabelle de Lorraine (AOC), Reine-Claude dorée, Quetsche d'Alsace, Pruneau d'Agen. Harvest spread July to September by variety. Excellent keeping as dried prunes (Agen) or eaux-de-vie. Rich in sorbitol, fibre, and potassium.
Full sun
Deep, rich
Moderate: dislikes drying out while the fruit forms; lack of water makes young fruit drop
Very hardy (~-20 to -25 °C), early blossom sensitive to late frosts
Overwinters in your zone
Cross-pollination / self-fertile
Better crops with several plants or two varieties
Role in permaculture
A high layer (4-8 m), sometimes suckering on its own roots. Flowering March-April, precious for early-emerging horned mason bees. Several species: European plum (Prunus domestica, quetsche, mirabelle, greengage), Japanese plum (P. salicina, Methley), wild blackthorn (P. spinosa).
Good companions
Harbour beneficial insects (insectary plant)
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Poor companions
Hosts of the same soil-borne disease: don't plant one after the other
Insects attracted or useful
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Plums and greengages: July to September.
Available: July, August, September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Plums » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/plums/grow-your-own)
- Interfel, « Prune : Présentation, disponibilité, conservation » (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/fruits-a-noyaux/prune)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
A laxative effect in large quantity. As in the other Prunus (apricot, cherry, peach), do not crunch the kernel contained in the stone (amygdalin, cyanogenic); a stone swallowed whole is harmless.
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, rich.
- • Classic companion: Nettle.
- • Keep away from: Nightshades (Verticillium wilt).