Cherry Plum (Myrobalan)

Not a native plant but sometimes found naturalised in Ireland, the Cherry Plum is a shrub or small, bushy tree grown on its own roots, not grafted. The fruit looks like a large, red or yellow cherry with a very thin skin; the flesh is soft and juicy, both sweet and tart, and tasting of plum, with a semi-clinging stone. It is usually cooked or preserved, but can be eaten fresh. In the Middle East they are picked unripe and eaten with salt as Persian Sour Plums. Attractive blossom in spring; will cross-pollinate with plums, damsons and gages. The fruit needs to be picked as soon as it’s ripe, as it does not hold well on the tree. Can be grown on its own or as part of a fruiting hedge. Easy to grow – a good choice for organic growers.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any reasonably well drained
Position: Full sun, partial shade
Pick: July
Keep: 1-2 days; 2 weeks in a fridge
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 25’ (8m) Spread: 25’ (8m) in 20 years
Pollination: Self-fertile. Pollination Group 2
Uses: Cooking, preserving, eating