Plums, Gages and Damsons all bear the same type of fruit, but they differ in taste and size. We offer a good range of Plum, Gage and Damson trees, with nearly all of them being self-fertile so do not require a pollination partner. We offer each variety of these fruit trees on a choice of rootstocks, so you can choose the most suitable size for the location....
The Difference Between Damson, Gage and Plum Trees
Whilst Gage, Damson and Plum trees are closely related and all bear the same basic type of stone fruit, the fruits do have characteristics that differ between them.
Plums are the largest fruit of the three, are usually soft-fleshed and vary in sweetness, Sweet plums, such as Opal, are used for eating fresh and the more tart varieties, such as Czar, are used for culinary purposes including puddings and jams.
Gages are smaller than plums, often with a yellow or green colour and more rounded shape. Gages have a sweet flavour that makes most varieties recommended as either eating or dual-purpose fruits. Damsons are a hardier fruit and have a spicy, tart flavour that makes excellent jam or sauce.
Planting and Growing Plum Trees
Our pot grown plum trees can be planted at any time of year. Plant in sunny, sheltered, warm gardens with a well-drained, chalky or loamy soil for the best results. When planting several plum trees, space them approximately 3 metres apart. Adding rootgrow at the time of planting will aid establishment and for the first 18 months they require a stake for support, unless they are being espalier or fan trained.
Once planted, establish a good watering regime and increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. It is recommended to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first few growing seasons. Ensure a healthy, balanced shape develops by pruning your plum tree for the first few years after planting.
History and Distribution of Plum Trees
Gage, Damson and Plum trees are all part of the same genus, Prunus, within the family Rosaceae. Plums are thought to have been one of the first fruits cultivated by humans and remains have been found on archaeological sites belonging to the Neolithic Age (New Stone Age), as well as being mentioned in writing dating back as far as 479 B.C.
Plum trees are grown on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. There are over 300 different types of plum, with European plum (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), being the highest selling varieties worldwide. China is the world's largest producer of plums and the plum blossom, or meihua in Chinese, is considered a traditional floral emblem of China.
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Why Ornamental Trees?
Decades of Experience
Based in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, we have over 20 years of experience and have grown into one of the UK's leading online tree and plant suppliers.
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From small urban spaces and patios to large country estates, our extensive range of over 900 plant varieties ensures there’s a perfect match for every garden.
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Advice From Our Experts
5 min read
Beginner's Guide to Fruit Tree Pollination
When you grow your own fruit tree, you’ll need to consider pollination – how and if your tree needs to be pollinated in order to produce fruit. Read our beginner's...
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Beginner's Guide to Fruit Tree Rootstocks
To those that are new to growing their own fruit, the concept of rootstocks can seem a little daunting. However, it's not as complicated as it seems! Read on for...
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How to Prune Fruit Trees
For most forms of fruit tree, we recommend pruning it for the first few years after planting to ensure a balanced shape develops. Apple and pear trees are best pruned...
10 min read
How to Espalier Train Fruit Trees
Espalier is a method of training fruit trees so that they grow flat with horizontal tiers against a support, and is a great option for areas or gardens with limited...
How to Fan Train Fruit Trees
Fan training is a method of training fruit trees so that they grow flat against a wall or support, with the branches forming an attractive fan shape. This is a...
15 min read
Ultimate Guide to Apple Trees | How to Grow You...
Apples are some of the easiest and most rewarding fruits to grow in the UK. With an established tree, you can enjoy delicious fruits for many years, as well as...
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Guide To Pear Trees | Choosing, Planting & Pruning
Planting Pear Trees A sunny, sheltered position is preferable for pear trees. Our pot grown pear trees can be planted at any time of the year, whereas bare root pear...
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Guide To Cherry Trees | Choosing, Planting & Pr...
Choosing Cherry Trees Nothing beats the taste of home grown cherries. To grow your own, ensure you choose a fruiting cherry tree, not an ornamental one. Fruiting cherry trees can...