Damson 'Langley Bullace' Prunus insititia 'Langley Bullace' (C)
ABOUT
'Langley Bullace' is a late, heavy-cropping, culinary damson to 2.5-4m in height depending upon the rootstock. Flowers white, fruit very dark blue. Self-fertile; pollination group 3
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Langley Bullace, Bullace Plum, Wild Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica subsp. insititia.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: The Bullace provides small, edible fruits that can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, jellies, and pies.
- Wildlife Attraction: The tree can attract birds and other wildlife, which feed on the fruit.
- Aesthetic Value: It is valued for its beautiful spring blossoms and can add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Hardiness: The Bullace is hardy in many climates, which makes it suitable for growing in different regions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the Bullace can be used in woodworking or carving projects due to its hardness and durability.
- The leaves of the Bullace can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, turning materials a range of yellow or green shades depending on the mordant used.
- The fruit of the Bullace can be used to make fruit leather, a chewy and sweet snack, by pureeing and drying the fruit in thin layers.
- Bullace fruits can be fermented to produce a unique fruit wine with a rich, plum-like flavor, distinctive to its type.
- The tree's resilient branches are sometimes utilized in the construction of rustic furniture or garden trellises.
- Bullace fruits can be made into a tangy and flavorful sorbet which is perfect for refreshing summer desserts.
- The flowers can be crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes or desserts, offering a springtime flair.
- The dense foliage provides nesting sites and shelter for local wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Fruit pulp leftover from jam or wine production can be composted to enrich garden soil naturally.
- Bullace trees can be used in hedgerows or as windbreaks in rural landscapes to protect crops and soil from erosion.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bullace is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bullace is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Bullace or Wild Plum is a flowering tree, and like many flowering trees, it is often associated with rejuvenation and the onset of spring. Its blossoms can symbolize new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Innocence: Blossoming fruit trees such as the Bullace have been tied to purity and innocence, especially in the way their flowers seem to emerge and blanket the tree with a fragile, untouched beauty.
- Fertility: With its ability to bear fruit, the Bullace can be symbolic of fertility and abundance, representing the potential for new growth and productivity.
- Protection: In some folklore, fruit trees, including the Wild Plum, were thought to ward off evil spirits. This gives the Bullace an association with spiritual protection and safeguarding.
- Perseverance: As a plant that can withstand a variety of conditions and still produce fruit, the Bullace can symbolize the ability to endure hardships and prevail against the odds.
WaterThe Bullace plum tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, providing about 2 gallons of water each time, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. When the tree is dormant in winter, reduce watering to every two or three weeks, depending on the climate and soil moisture level. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering, around twice a week, to establish roots. Adjust watering in response to rainfall, providing less water if there has been significant rain. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, water at the base of the tree.
LightThe Bullace plum tree thrives in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day for optimal fruit production. The best spot for the tree is an open area, away from buildings or other trees, where it can receive sunlight without obstruction throughout the day. Partial shade is acceptable, but it may reduce the tree's yield and fruit quality.
TemperatureBullace plum trees are resilient and can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they perform best when spring and summer temperatures range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature fosters good fruit development and ripening. Extreme temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the tree and affect fruit production.
PruningPruning the Bullace plum tree is necessary to remove dead or diseased wood, to shape the tree for optimal sunlight penetration, and to encourage the growth of new fruiting wood. The best time to prune is in early spring before the tree breaks dormancy or in mid-summer to remove excess growth. Prune annually to maintain good tree health and to keep the tree at a manageable size for fruit harvest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bullace plum thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix with equal parts loam, organic compost, and sharp sand can provide optimal growth. The soil should retain some moisture but also allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
RepottingBullace plum trees, being a type of fruit tree, generally do not need regular repotting if planted in the ground. Container-grown trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingBullace plums, like many fruit trees, prefer outdoor conditions and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive; ambient outdoor humidity is generally adequate. Regular outdoor weather fluctuations provide the necessary environment for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and provide space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Langley Bullace' plum begins its life as a seed, which, once germinated, develops into a small sapling. It then enters a vegetative growth stage where it grows leaves, stems, and roots, eventually forming a mature tree that is capable of flowering. During the spring, it progresses to the flowering stage where it produces small, white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit development. Following pollination, the fruits mature through the summer, becoming large, edible plums that can be harvested in late summer to early autumn. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. This cycle repeats yearly, with the tree continuing to grow and produce fruit for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
Propogation: Prunus insititia 'Langley Bullace', commonly known as Langley Bullace Plum, is most commonly propagated by hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is during the plant's dormant period in late fall or early winter. Hardwood cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long, with several nodes present. They are taken from the current season's growth that has matured and become woody. The cut base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining growing medium. These cuttings are usually placed in a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse to overwinter, where they will slowly develop roots and be ready for planting in the spring.
