Plum (Prunus) Marjorie's Seedling 12L

'Marjorie's Seedling' is the classic late plum and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Introduced in 1912, it is still the main late-season plum grown commercially in Britain, prized for its reliability, vigour and heavy crops. It flowers later than most plums, so its white spring blossom usually escapes the late frosts that can spoil other varieties. From late September into October, the upright tree is laden with large purple plums that ripen to blue-black under a heavy bloom. The yellow flesh is juicy and makes superb jams, crumbles and pies. The plums are also good for eating fresh once fully ripe, and home-grown fruit can be left on the tree longer than commercial growers can manage for a sweeter flavour. It is self-fertile, so a single tree will crop well on its own, and it extends the plum season well after other varieties have finished. Its spring blossom is valuable for bees and other pollinators.

Plant in full sun or light shade, ideally in a sheltered spot facing south or west. It grows in clay, loam or sand as long as the soil is moist but well-drained, and a slightly acidic soil is ideal. Improve poorer ground with well-rotted compost or manure before planting, and keep a weed-free circle of at least 60cm around the trunk. 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) and has good disease resistance. 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.