Mirabelle (Prunus) Ruby COLUMNAR™

Ruby COLUMNAR™ packs a generous harvest into a slender, space-saving tree. It grows naturally tall and narrow, reaching around 2.5–3m in height but only about 1m across, with fruit forming close to the main stems. That makes it perfect for small gardens, narrow borders, and large containers on a sunny patio or balcony. In spring it's covered in white blossom that bees love. From late summer into early autumn it produces bright ruby-red fruits, among the largest of all mirabelles, with dark red flesh and a sweet, juicy, peach-like flavour. Enjoy them fresh from the tree, or bake them into pies, crumbles, tarts and preserves.

Ruby is self-fertile, so a single tree will crop on its own, although another early-flowering plum nearby will boost the harvest. Mirabelles Golden Sphere and Gypsy both make ideal partners. Its neat, upright habit needs very little pruning, and any tidying should be done in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. In a container, use a large pot with a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, water regularly through the growing season, and feed in spring. 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.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.