Plum (Prunus) Czar 12L

'Czar' is one of the most reliable plums you can grow and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It was raised by the Victorian nurseryman Thomas Rivers in 1871 and named after the Russian Tsar, who was visiting Britain at the time. It has been a garden favourite ever since. Unusually large white blossom opens in spring, and it copes with frost better than most plums. It is followed by generous crops of medium-sized, deep purple-blue plums with juicy golden-yellow flesh, ready to pick from early August. It is primarily a cooking plum and excellent for pies, crumbles and jam, although fully ripe fruit can also be eaten fresh. The tree is compact and self-fertile, so a single tree will crop well on its own, which makes it ideal for smaller gardens.

Plant in full sun, ideally in a sheltered spot facing south or west, although 'Czar' copes with less favourable conditions than many plums. It prefers moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil; improve poorer ground with well-rotted compost or manure before planting. It also grows well trained against a sunny wall. Water well while it establishes, especially in dry spells. Prune plums in summer rather than winter to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker, shaping the tree and removing any dead or crossing branches. Thin heavy crops if needed, and net ripening fruit to keep the birds off. It is fully hardy (RHS H6). Depending on the rootstock, expect a height and spread of 2.5–4m within 5–10 years.

Supplied in a 12 litre pot. Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.