GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Wild Plum

Prunus domestica subsp. insititia · Tree

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −20 to −15°C)
Position
Full sun
Height × Spread
2.5–4 m × 2.5–4 m
Soil
moist, but well-drained; fertile soil that doesn’t get waterlogged; Clay Loam Sand; Neutral pH
Flowering
March–May
Toxicity
The leaves, twigs and stones (seeds) contain cyanide-forming compounds — never eat the stones or foliage; the ripe fruit flesh is edible cooked. (RHS.)

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Silver leaf: Prune out infected wood well below the infection site during dry weather and sterilize tools between cuts.

Bacterial canker: Prune out infected wood in dry weather during summer to avoid spreading bacteria via rain splash.

Brown rot: Remove all fallen fruit and mummified berries from the tree and ground to reduce overwintering spores.

Plum aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or use a strong jet of water to dislodge infestations.

Honey fungus: Improve drainage and avoid wounding roots; severe cases may require removing the tree to prevent spread.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/wild-plum © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia