Mirabelle (Prunus) Countess 12L

Countess is a newer mirabelle-type plum that brings a touch of continental orchard charm to the garden. In spring the tree is covered in white blossom, an early feast for bees, and in August it produces round, dark red-purple fruits with red-to-yellow flesh. The fruit has a wonderfully melting texture and is juicy, sweet and richly flavoured. It is superb eaten fresh from the tree and equally good in tarts, jams, compotes and homemade liqueurs. It is also freestone, so the flesh comes cleanly away from the stone when fully ripe, making the fruit easy to prepare for cooking.

Countess flowers very early in the season, so give it a sunny, sheltered spot away from frost pockets to protect the blossom. It thrives in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Planting another early-flowering plum, gage or damson nearby will help ensure good pollination and heavier crops. Water regularly during dry spells for the first couple of years while the tree establishes, and mulch around the base in spring. Prune lightly in summer to keep an open shape and reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Fully hardy. The fruit is delicious, but the stones and leaves shouldn't be eaten, so keep those out of reach of children and pets.

Supplied in a 12-litre pot.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.