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I planted an Ouillins Gage plum tree some years ago and it died after an attack of bacterial canker, although two nearby apple trees, planted at the same time, were unaffected and are still thriving.

I'm planning to plant another plum or greengage tree in the autumn, and am hoping for better luck this time. I would prefer a late-flowering variety that:

  • produces fruit that is very good for eating fresh when fully ripe,
  • is hardy,
  • disease-resistant,
  • a reliable and heavy cropper, and
  • self-fertile (space is limited).

My soil is light and free-draining. I live in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Is there a variety of plum tree that meets these criteria?

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  • Just curious, is there any specific reasoning for wanting a heavy cropper? Some plum trees I've seen get big, and any variety that size I would have thought would yield more than enough fruit for domestic needs - see this question for the opposite issue. Unless you're making jerkum, in which case...pass the bottle? :)
    – Tom W
    Oct 25, 2016 at 17:34

2 Answers 2

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Eureka! I have finally tracked down two varieties that satisfy 98% of the above criteria:

  • Marjorie's Seedling

  • Denniston's Superb

Details here.

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No personal experience as I haven't grown plums, but the panel of gardening experts on Gardeners' Question Time podcast always mention Victoria Plum as a relatively easy & good variety to grow in the UK, when asked questions about growing plums in the UK.

A few more varieties to take a look at:

Addition: You may want to listen to, Gardeners' Question Time, 22 Jul 11: RHS Show Tatton Park, Cheshire or direct link to MP3, @ 21mins:40secs in. Recommends a couple of types of Greengages to grow.

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  • Thanks for your suggestion. Victoria Plum does have a lot to recommend it but, unfortunately, it is very susceptible to bacterial canker (once bitten, twice shy!) and silver leaf :(
    – Mancuniensis
    Jul 7, 2011 at 2:14
  • @Mancuniensis, have added 3 more varieties you might want to take a look at, plus a couple of links to articles you might find helpful.
    – Mike Perry
    Jul 7, 2011 at 2:41

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