Pruimenboom

Prunus domestica

Engels: Plum Tree

fruitRosaceaeEetbaar

Pruimenboom (Prunus domestica) is a edible fruit plant from the Rosaceae family that grows up to 500cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate maintenance. Blooms in spring with white flowers and attracts bees and birds.

Hoogte

300–500 cm

Breedte

300–400 cm

Zonligging

full sun

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, clay soil

Onderhoud

moderate maintenance

Bloeitijd

spring

Bloemkleuren

white

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Trekt vogels aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
🌱Planten
✂️Snoeien
💧Bemesten
🍎Oogsten

Care tips

Planting

Plant bare-root plum trees between October and November or in March, while they are dormant. Container-grown specimens can go in during any of these months, though autumn planting gives roots time to establish before spring growth begins. Choose a sheltered spot in full sun—plums flower early and frost can damage blossom, so avoid frost pockets. They tolerate loam and clay soils well, provided drainage is reasonable; waterlogged ground encourages root diseases. Prepare the planting area by digging a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and deep enough so the soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground. Break up compacted soil at the base and sides of the hole. If your soil is heavy clay, fork in some well-rotted compost or grit to improve structure, but don't over-enrich—plums are vigorous enough without excessive fertility. For bare-root trees, spread the roots out evenly; container-grown plants should have any circling roots gently teased apart. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Drive in a sturdy stake at an angle (to avoid the root ball) and secure the trunk with a tree tie, leaving room for growth. Space trees 400 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 300–400 cm. Water thoroughly after planting—at least 10 litres per tree—and apply a 5–7 cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost as mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pruning

Prune plum trees in June or July, during active growth when the risk of silver leaf disease—a serious fungal infection that enters through pruning wounds—is at its lowest. Never prune in winter. Use clean, sharp secateurs for small branches and a pruning saw for anything thicker than your thumb. In the first few years after planting, focus on building an open, balanced framework. Aim for a goblet or bush shape with three to five main branches radiating outwards, allowing light and air into the centre. Remove any shoots growing inward, crossing branches that rub, and any vigorous upright growth (water sprouts) that crowds the canopy. Cut back to just above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open habit. Once the tree is established, pruning becomes lighter. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood as soon as you spot it. Thin out congested areas to maintain good airflow, which helps prevent fungal problems. Plums fruit on short spurs on older wood and also on one-year-old shoots, so avoid heavy cutting back of productive branches. If the tree becomes too tall or wide, you can reduce the height or spread by cutting back to a suitable side branch, but do this gradually over two or three seasons rather than all at once. Always seal large cuts (over 3 cm diameter) with a pruning paint or wound sealant to reduce the risk of silver leaf spores entering. Burn or bin all prunings—don't compost diseased material.

Maintenance

Water plum trees regularly during their first two growing seasons to help roots establish, especially in dry spells. Mature trees have moderate water needs but benefit from consistent moisture during fruit development in late spring and summer; give a thorough soak every 10–14 days if rainfall is scarce. Avoid erratic watering, which can cause fruit to split. Reduce watering after harvest in late August and September. Feed once a year in March with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser (such as Growmore) or a specific fruit fertiliser, scattering roughly 70–100 grams per square metre around the root zone. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil, suppresses weeds, and helps retain moisture. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the trunk. Plum trees are fully hardy in zones 5a–9a and need no special winter protection. However, late frosts can damage early spring blossom; if frost is forecast during flowering, drape fleece over smaller trees overnight or consider planting in a sheltered spot. Common pests include plum aphids, which cause leaf curl in spring—spray with an insecticidal soap if necessary. Plum fruit moth caterpillars tunnel into ripening fruit; pheromone traps can help monitor and reduce numbers. Watch for brown rot, which causes fruit to rot and mummify on the branch—remove and destroy affected fruit promptly. Silver leaf disease is the most serious threat; prune only in summer and remove any branches showing the characteristic silvery sheen on leaves, cutting back to healthy wood.