Plum 'Reine Claude'

$129.99
Title

Indulge in the "Queen of Plums," a regal addition to any garden that is as beautiful as it is delicious. In spring, the tree is a masterpiece, covered in a profusion of fragrant, snow-white blossoms that dance in the breeze. As summer deepens, its lush, bright green foliage provides a vibrant backdrop for clusters of small, jewel-like plums. These distinctive fruits feature a smooth, translucent pale-green skin that takes on a golden glow as they reach peak ripeness, promising a honey-sweet harvest.

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Plant Details

Difficulty:

Easy to Medium

Zone:

4-9

Watering:

Medium

Years To Bear:

3–6

Plant Type:

Fruit Tree

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Reine Claude, Green Gage, Greengage, Reine Claude Verte, Reine Claude Vraie, La Bonne Reine

Scientific Name:

Prunus domestica 'Reine Claude' (often referred to as 'Green Gage').

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Typically 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) tall and wide; smaller in compact garden forms.
  • Growth Habit: Strong growing with a semi-open, sometimes irregular crown.
  • Form: Rounded to spreading.
  • Growth Rate: Medium to average.
  • Longevity: Healthy trees can bear fruit for 15 years or more.

Features:

  • Disease Resistance: Watch for plum aphid and brown rot.
  • Uses: Widely considered the best dessert plum for fresh eating; also excellent for jams and preserves.
  • Attracts: Highly valuable for bees and other pollinators.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun; sheltered from late spring frosts.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, deep, well-drained loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Adaptable to clay, sand, and varying soil types if drainage is excellent.
  • Watering: Consistent watering for young trees; established trees need deep soakings when rainfall is low.
Care Guide

Plant Care

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to develop maximum sugar content.
  • Moisture Requirements: Prefers medium moisture; requires regular watering during the first season and during dry spells once established.
  • Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring. Prune in late winter or early summer to maintain an open-center shape for light and air.

Tips For Success:

  • Thinning: Thin fruit if the crop is too heavy to prevent branch breakage and ensure larger fruit.
  • Winter Protection: Install a protective spiral on the trunk in early years to prevent rodent damage and sunscald.
  • Harvesting: Pick when the fruit feels soft to a gentle squeeze for the best flavor.

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Late winter or early spring while dormant.
  • Spacing: 15–20 feet for standard trees; 10–15 feet for dwarf varieties.
  • Location Tips: Choose a sunny, sheltered site to protect delicate spring blossoms.

Fruit Profile

Size:

Small to medium

Colour:

Pale green skin that turns yellowish-green or golden at maturity

Texture:

Smooth, tender, juicy, and fleshy

Flavour:

Intensely sweet and rich with honeyed aromatic notes.

Harvest Time:

Late summer to mid-September

Pollination Requirements:

Partially self-fertile but yields significantly better when planted with another European plum variety like 'Victoria', 'Opal', or 'Anna Späth'.
Fruit Profile