Plum (Prunus) Jubilee 12L

'Jubilee' is a modern plum often tipped as a successor to the classic 'Victoria'. It was bred at the Balsgård research station in Sweden, and produces large, oval plums that are similar to 'Victoria' but bigger and ready about a week earlier. White spring blossom is followed by generous crops of fruit that ripen from dark red to purple through August. The firm, juicy yellow flesh is sweet and comes cleanly away from the stone. It is primarily a dessert plum for eating straight from the tree, but it is also excellent for cooking, jams and preserves. It crops regularly, starts fruiting young and is self-fertile, so a single tree will crop well on its own. Its spring blossom is valuable for bees and other pollinators.

Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, ideally facing south or west. It prefers a well-drained, loamy soil and struggles on poorly drained ground; improve heavier or poorer soils with well-rotted compost or manure before planting. Its blossom can be damaged by very late frosts, so avoid frost pockets. Water well while it establishes and during dry spells as the fruit swells. 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 hardy across most of the UK (RHS H5). Size depends on the rootstock, with the RHS giving 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.