European plum Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock' (C/d)
ABOUT
'Blue Rock' is a variety of the commonly known plum tree that produces fruit with specific characteristics. It has a branching structure with an upright growth habit. The leaves of this plum variety are typically lush and green, presenting with a simple and ovate shape that may showcase a slight serration along the edges. These foliage pieces adorn the branches throughout the growing season and can turn to lovely shades as the colder months approach. When the plum tree blooms, it is adorned with beautiful flowers. The blossoms are generally white, with a soft fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. Each flower is made up of five petals and is often seen in clusters, adding a decorative quality to the tree during the spring. As for the fruit, the 'Blue Rock' plum is known for producing plums that are usually rounded, with a deep blue or purplish skin that has a natural waxy surface known as bloom. The flesh inside can be yellow to green, and it is typically sweet with a succulent texture, making it a desirable variety for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving. The skin of the fruit may also have a subtle acidic taste that contrasts with the sweetness of the flesh, providing a balanced and pleasing flavor profile.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
European Plum, Common Plum, Domestic Plum.
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock'.
ToxicityTo humans
The European plum, which Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock' is a cultivar of, generally has no significant toxicity to humans when the fruits are consumed ripe. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If enough cyanide is released in the body, it can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and even can be lethal in high doses. It is important not to consume the seeds or any other parts of the plant other than the ripe fruit.
To pets
The European plum, of which Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock' is a variety, can be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats if parts other than the ripe fruit are ingested. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides which, when chewed or otherwise broken down, can convert to cyanide in the body. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, and in extreme cases, seizures, difficulty breathing, and potentially death. Caution should be taken to prevent pets from accessing these parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Provides a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals through its edible fruit.
- Landscape Aesthetics: Offers ornamental value with its attractive blooms and foliage, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Food Production: Yields plums that can be eaten fresh, dried as prunes, or used in cooking and baking.
- Shade Provider: Mature trees can offer shade in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Wood Use: Wood from the tree can be used for various woodworking projects and as a source of fuel.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood from the prune plum tree, while not commonly used, can be crafted into small wooden items such as decorative pieces or kitchen utensils.
- Ink Production: The dark juices of the prune plum can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or even as a base for creating inks.
- Wildlife Support: The tree provides habitat and food for various bird species, who often eat the fruits or use the tree for nesting purposes.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant flowers and the fruits of the Prunus domestica can be used by photographers as a natural backdrop or prop in their photos.
- Culinary Colorant: The fruit's rich color can be used to naturally color desserts such as pastries, giving them a purple hue without artificial dyes.
- Pruning Skill Development: Training this tree can provide an opportunity to learn and perfect the art of pruning, which is crucial for its productivity.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of the prune plum with buds and flowers can be used in flower arrangements for a rustic touch to interior decorations.
- Smoking Agent: The wood chips from Prunus domestica can be used to add a fruity essence when smoking meats, offering a unique flavor twist.
- Education and Research: The plant can be used as a subject in botanical studies, especially to teach about fruit development and tree management.
- Fermentation Experiments: The high sugar content of the prune plums makes them suitable for amateur and professional experiments in fermenting wine or vinegar at home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European plum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European plum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Abundance: The European plum, being a fruit-bearing tree, commonly symbolizes abundance and prosperity due to its plentiful harvest when well-cared for.
- Renewal: As a deciduous tree that blossoms in spring, it is often associated with new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Inheritance: In certain cultures, the European plum is considered a heritage plant, symbolizing the passing down of wealth and tradition through generations.
- Temptation: Historically, some fruit trees, including plums, have been connected to the idea of temptation and desire, possibly relating to ancient stories and myths.
- Inner Richness: As the European plum produces a sweet fruit, it can also symbolize internal sweetness and the richness of one's character.
WaterEuropean plum, commonly known as Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, approximately once a week during the growing season, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It's crucial that the plant gets about 1 to 2 inches of water each week, which translates to roughly 4 to 15 gallons per tree, depending on its size. Avoid frequent shallow watering, as it may promote weak root systems. During periods of drought, additional watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture. It's best to water this plum tree early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the leaves to dry out over the course of the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe European plum thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It's important to place the tree in a spot where it's not shaded by taller plants or buildings, especially during the prime sunlight hours of the morning and early afternoon. Ample sunlight is essential for the development of fruit and overall plant health.
TemperatureEuropean plums like Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock' prefer moderate conditions and are hardy in a range of temperatures. They can withstand winter cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy a period of winter dormancy. However, they grow best when temperatures are consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It's important to ensure that the planting location doesn't experience frequent temperature fluctuations that could damage the plant or impact fruit production.
PruningPruning European plum trees is vital to maintain their health, encourage fruit production, and improve air circulation. Pruning should happen in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches as well as any that are growing inward toward the center of the tree. Thin out branches to allow sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate throughout the canopy, which helps to reduce the potential for disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe European plum 'Blue Rock' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam and organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this fruit tree.
RepottingEuropean plum 'Blue Rock' trees grown in containers should ideally be repotted every 3-5 years to prevent root crowding and replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingThe European plum 'Blue Rock' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but performs best with moderate ambient humidity, common in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires full sun, ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space 15-20 ft apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'Blue Rock' plum tree (Prunus domestica 'Blue Rock' C/d) begins with seed germination, where the seeds within the plum fruit must undergo stratification (a period of cold treatment) to break dormancy. Next, the seedling emerges and develops into a young sapling, focusing on root and foliage growth. As the tree matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it increases in size and produces more leaves, branches, and a stronger root system. Flowering occurs in early spring as the tree reaches maturity, followed by pollination, typically by insects such as bees. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into plums, which ripen over the summer months. Once the fruit is harvested or falls, the life cycle can repeat with the seeds from the fallen fruit, completing its life stages that include germination, sapling development, maturation, flowering, fruiting, and seed dispersal.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Prunus domestica, commonly known as the European plum or simply 'Blue Rock', is best propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method. This technique typically takes place in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. To graft, a scion, which is a cutting from a mature plum tree of the desired variety, is carefully selected. The scion should be about 6 to 8 inches long (15-20 cm) with at least two or three buds. It is then joined to a compatible rootstock, which is a plant base with an established root system, using a grafting method such as the whip-and-tongue or cleft graft. The joint is secured with grafting tape and sealed with grafting wax to prevent drying. After the graft has healed and the sap begins to flow, which may take a few weeks, the new tree will have the desired characteristics of the 'Blue Rock' plum variety with the added vigor and disease resistance from the rootstock.
