Shropshire Prune Damson Tree

Shropshire Prune Damson Tree

If you have an overwhelming urge to cook with damsons, then Shropshire Prune is the one to go for. We suggest buying a Shropshire Prune online a few years BEFORE that urge arrives, unless the urge lasts as long as it takes the tree to produce fruit.

This self-fertile, RHS Award of Garden Merit damson variety is a regular and reliable cropper of small, elongated fruits that ripen to violet-blue. Although described as small, they are larger than Farleigh Damsons. The firm flesh is clingstone, so it does not separate cleanly from the stone.^{[1] [2]} As Shropshire Prune is self-fertile, a second damson tree is not required to produce fruit.

Raw fruit has the sharp, astringent character expected from a traditional damson. Cooking softens this sharpness and brings out its rich, concentrated, sweet-sharp flavour. Shropshire Prune is particularly useful for jam, jelly, pies, crumbles, puddings, baking, bottling and damson gin.^{[1] [3]} The crop normally ripens from the middle to the end of September, although the exact date varies with location and weather. Ripe Shropshire Prunes are best used quickly, frozen or preserved promptly rather than treated as a long-keeping crop.^{[1] [3] [5]}

The cultivar has vigorous but comparatively neat growth, while the chosen rootstock largely controls its eventual garden size. The compact Pixy or VVA-1 option should reach approximately 3–4m. St Julien A produces a stronger-growing bush or half-standard of approximately 4.5–5m. A bush carries its main branches lower for easier picking, while a half-standard has a longer clear trunk and a more formal and ornamental outline.^{[2] [4]}

Planting Shropshire Prune Damson Trees

The tree is rated RHS H6, meaning it can tolerate approximately −20°C to −15°C, so it is hardy throughout the UK. Its relatively late white blossom may avoid some earlier spring frosts, but open flowers can still be damaged by cold weather.^[2]

Plant Shropshire Prune in full sun, preferably in a sheltered position where the blossom and ripening fruit receive plenty of warmth. The soil should be fertile and moisture-retentive but must drain freely, as damsons dislike both prolonged drought and waterlogged ground.^[5]

Plant the tree at the same depth as it was growing in its pot, keeping the graft union above soil level. Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering during dry periods through the first growing season. Keep a weed-free area around the base to reduce competition while the roots establish.^[5]

The compact rootstocks of VVA1 and Pixy can be grown in a large container with less issues than a St Julien A, but a tree planted in open ground will normally require less watering and feeding. Container-grown damsons need dependable summer watering because allowing the compost to dry while fruit is developing can reduce the crop.^[5]

Pruning Shropshire Prune Damson Trees

Young Shropshire Prune damson trees should be shaped in early spring once growth has started, while established trees are best pruned during summer. Do not prune in autumn or winter, as stone-fruit trees are more vulnerable to silver leaf and bacterial canker entering through pruning wounds at that time.^{[5] [6]}

No special disease resistance has been established for Shropshire Prune. The RHS lists possible susceptibility to silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and brown rot. Correct pruning time, freely draining soil and sensible tree care help reduce avoidable problems.^{[2] [6]} In practical terms it means trying to keep the foliage dry by allowing as much air and light into the canopy as you can. Shaded and poorly draining sites will increase your risk of diseases.

Interesting Information About Shropshire Prune

The variety is officially recorded as Prune Damson and is also known as Shropshire Damson and Shropshire Prune. Its exact origin is uncertain, but the National Fruit Collection considers it probably English and records the Shropshire Damson name from 1676.^{[1][2] [3]} It also records average fruit weights of 5.7g in the National Fruit Collection records.

Despite the word “Prune” in its name, this is principally a culinary damson rather than a specialist plum grown commercially for drying into prunes. Its lasting reputation comes from the intensity of its cooked flavour and its usefulness for traditional preserving.^{[1] [3]}

Research on other European plum cultivars found safe commercial cold-storage periods ranging from approximately two to six weeks at about −0.5°C, depending on the cultivar. Shropshire Prune was not included in the research, so no equivalent storage period can be claimed for this variety.^[8] The take-away is that cooler temperatures should generally extend the storage time.

Shropshire Prune is held in the National Fruit Collection and is included in the Slow Food Ark of Taste, which recognises foods with a distinctive regional and cultural history. It remains a worthwhile choice for buyers who want a productive garden tree with genuine English fruit-growing heritage rather than simply the largest possible damson.^{[1] [7]}

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Shropshire Prune Fruit Tree
Hi Alan, just to let you know that the *Shropshire Prune Damson tree arrived today as per a text message from the carrier. It’s looking very happy now it’s out of the box. Very best regards Gina 0820-26574
Damson 'Shropshire Prune' arrived safely yesterday - beautifully packed, and a beautiful young tree. I'm delighted with it !Kind regards Margaret Walty 0420
Another lovely tree, thank you. Congratulations as well on your promotion to Senior Dogsbody. I am a mere Junior Dogsbody, but hope one day to reach such a role. With best wishes, and thanks for an excellent service, Carl 0418
Thanks for your jolly email. The tree arrived in good order and looks to be in good shape. I will plant it when the snow goes away. We are in the Pyrenees and surrounded by white stuff at present. Will send cheery photos when planted. Getting over flu at present xx Gill Williams 0115

*Added for transparency and clarity.