Damson 'Shropshire Prune'

Also known as 'Prune Damson', this is the classic English damson, prized for its intense flavor and excellent culinary qualities. It produces small, oval, blue-black fruits with a heavy bloom. The flesh is greenish-yellow and has a sharp, astringent flavor when raw, which transforms into a rich, deep, and spicy sweetness when cooked into jams, jellies, or crumbles. It is also the traditional choice for damson gin. The tree has a compact, bushy habit and is extremely hardy (H6), often used as a windbreak in orchards. It is self-fertile and very productive, often cropping heavily even in poor weather conditions where other plums might fail. It produces a froth of white blossoms in late spring. It is very easy to grow and adaptable to most soils, provided they are well-drained. A perfect choice for low-maintenance or community gardens in the UK.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.