Damson (Prunus) Merryweather Half Standard

Merryweather is the damson to choose if you want bigger fruit. This much-loved English variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, and in late summer it produces generous crops of relatively large, blue-black damsons. Cooked, they have the rich, tangy damson flavour that's perfect for jams, jellies, pies, crumbles, chutneys and damson gin, and when left to ripen fully on the tree they're sweet enough to eat fresh. In spring the branches are covered in white blossom that bees love.

This half standard has a clear trunk of around 1.2m beneath a well-branched crown. It grows into a classic freestanding orchard-style tree with a naturally vigorous, spreading habit, with room to mow or plant beneath, which suits lawns, larger gardens and small orchards. Merryweather is self-fertile, so it will crop on its own, although another plum, gage or damson nearby will boost the harvest. Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in a spot sheltered from late frosts, and stake firmly for the first few years. 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.