Damson (Prunus) Merryweather

Merryweather is the damson for anyone who wants bigger fruit. This much-loved English variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and produces generous crops of relatively large, blue-black damsons in late summer. Cooked, they have the rich, tangy damson flavour that's so good in jams, jellies, pies, crumbles, chutneys and damson gin. Left to ripen fully on the tree, they are sweet enough to enjoy fresh as well. In spring the branches are covered in white blossom that bees love.

Merryweather is self-fertile, so a single tree will fruit on its own, although another plum, gage or damson nearby will boost the crop. Grown on semi-vigorous St Julian A rootstock, it forms a strong, spreading tree of around 4–5m, which suits medium to larger gardens and small orchards, and annual pruning keeps it in shape. Like most damsons it is tough and hardy, but the blossom appreciates a sheltered spot away from late frosts. Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, water well during dry spells while the tree establishes, and thin the fruit in heavy years to protect the branches. Prune only in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf. Fully hardy (RHS H6). The fruit is delicious, but the stones and leaves shouldn't be eaten, so keep those out of reach of children and pets.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.