European Plum Prunus domestica 'Blue Tit' (C/d)
ABOUT
The 'Blue Tit' is a variety of European plum that is known for its attractive growth habit and delicious fruit. It produces white flowers that blossom in the spring, offering a display of delicate and fragrant blooms that attract pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant develops plump fruits with a blue or purple hue and a waxy bloom on the surface, giving them a slightly frosted appearance. The skin of the fruit is typically deep blue and encases a sweet, yellow flesh that is both juicy and flavorful, ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving. The leaves of the 'Blue Tit' are a rich green, with a slightly serrated edge, and they grow on branches that form an overall rounded and lush canopy. The visual appeal of both fruit and foliage makes this plant not only a practical choice for fruit production but also an attractive one for garden aesthetics.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Tit Plum, European Plum, Common Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Blue Tit'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Prunus domestica 'Blue Tit' is plum. Plums are not toxic to humans if the fruit is consumed when ripe. However, parts of the plant, like the leaves, stems, and seeds (pits), contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when damaged or ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from cyanide ingestion include headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and nausea; in severe cases, seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death can occur if a large enough quantity of these parts is consumed.
To pets
The plum is also not toxic to pets when the ripe fruit is consumed in moderation. However, similar to humans, the leaves, stems, and seeds (pits) contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are harmful if ingested in significant quantities. If a pet consumes these parts of the plant, symptoms can include drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and stomach upset which can escalate to more severe symptoms such as convulsions and coma, potentially leading to death if not treated.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Spread
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: The European plum produces sweet and juicy fruits that are enjoyable to eat fresh or can be used in cooking and baking.
- Landscape Ornamentation: With its attractive spring blossoms, green foliage, and vibrant fruits, it contributes to the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the fruit can also attract birds and other wildlife.
- Shade Provider: As a deciduous tree, it offers a pleasant shade during the hot summer months, creating a cooling effect in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Culinary Uses: The fruit can be consumed fresh or utilized in a variety of culinary preparations such as jams, jellies, pies, and preserves.
- Adaptable Growth: The plant is adaptable to various soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for a range of garden settings.
- Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, such as occasional pruning and watering, reducing the effort for gardeners.
Medical Properties- Laxative effect: The fruit of the European plum may help in relieving constipation due to its dietary fiber content.
- Antioxidant properties: Plum fruits contain various antioxidants, which may help in protecting cells from damage due to oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C content: European plums are a source of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin health, and other bodily functions.
- Potassium source: The fruit is a good source of potassium, which can help in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the European plum tree can be used for small woodworking projects such as crafting musical instruments, due to its fine grain and attractive color.
- Dye Production: Parts of the European plum can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Ink Making: The juice from the European plum fruit can be concentrated and mixed with other components to create a natural, plant-based ink for art or writing.
- Smoking Meat: Wood chips made from European plum wood lend a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to meats and cheeses when used in a smoker.
- Decorative Branches: Pruned branches with blossoms can be used in floral arrangements, especially during spring for their aesthetic appeal.
- Wildlife Shelter: The tree can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small animals in a garden setting.
- Photography Backdrop: With its striking spring blossoms, the European plum tree serves as an excellent backdrop for outdoor photography.
- Garden Bonsai: The tree can be cultivated as a bonsai, making it an artistic addition to an indoor or outdoor garden.
- Educational Tool: The lifecycle of the European plum tree, from flowering to fruiting, can be used to teach children about plant biology and agriculture.
- Leaf Compost: Fallen leaves from the European plum can be composted into nutrient-rich leaf mold, which benefits garden soil.
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: Prunus domestica, commonly known as the European plum, bears numerous fruits, which can symbolize wealth and abundance.
- Renewal: Plum trees are among the first to bloom in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Inheritance: The plum tree, cultivated for generations, often stands for heritage and the transmission of knowledge and wealth through generations.
- Fidelity: With the loyalty of returning each year to bloom, the plum tree suggests steadfastness in relationships.
- Inner Wisdom: Plum trees are associated with inner growth and enlightenment, perhaps due to their long life and the sense of patience in waiting for the fruit to ripen.
WaterThe European Plum 'Blue Tit' requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the tree deeply and thoroughly once every week if there's no significant rainfall, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, you might need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to penetrate the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, which typically amounts to about 15-20 gallons for a young tree, and up to 35-40 gallons for an established one. Be vigilant during drought conditions and increase watering as necessary to prevent stress to the tree.
LightThe European Plum 'Blue Tit' thrives in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting this tree is in an open area away from larger trees or buildings that might cast shade on it. Ensuring that it gets ample sunlight is critical for fruit development and overall health of the tree.
TemperatureThe European Plum 'Blue Tit' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, ideally thriving in conditions between 35°F and 75°F. It can survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F and summer temperatures up to about 95°F. It's important for this deciduous tree to experience a period of winter chill to properly enter dormancy and subsequently flower and bear fruit in the spring.
PruningPruning the European Plum 'Blue Tit' is essential to maintain tree structure, encourage fruit production and allow for adequate sunlight and air circulation. Pruning should be done during dormancy in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow and buds swell. The tree should be pruned to remove dead or diseased limbs, to thin out dense branches, and to shape the tree. Annually pruning is recommended, with occasional thinning of fruit to ensure remaining plums grow to a good size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean plum 'Blue Tit' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil mix might include loam, organic compost, and aged manure to provide proper nutrition and drainage. Mulching is beneficial to maintain soil moisture.
RepottingEuropean plum 'Blue Tit' trees, being outdoor plants, are not typically repotted. Instead, they are planted in the ground. However, if grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every few years until they are planted out permanently in the garden.
Humidity & MistingEuropean plum 'Blue Tit' is adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions for growth. It does well in the typical outdoor climate where temperatures are suitable for stone fruit trees.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; needs outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus domestica 'Blue Tit', commonly known as European plum or common plum, begins its life cycle from a seed that germinates in late winter or early spring. After germination, the seedling grows into a young sapling, developing a strong root system and foliage. As it matures into an adult tree, the plum typically starts to flower in early spring with blossoms that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruits develop through the summer and ripen towards the end of summer or early autumn, depending on the climate. Once the ripe plums are harvested, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the cold winter months. The cycle repeats annually, with the tree producing blossoms and fruit each year for several decades, given optimal growing conditions and proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the European plum 'Blue Tit' is by grafting, particularly during the winter dormant season. This involves taking a cutting, known as a scion, from a mature 'Blue Tit' plum tree that includes at least two to three buds. The scion is then carefully attached to a rootstock, which is commonly a plum species known for its hardy root system, through a process known as bench grafting. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched together and bound with grafting tape or a similar material to hold the union in place. The grafted material is then placed in soil or a growing medium and kept in controlled conditions until the graft union has healed and the scion begins to grow, indicating a successful graft. Once the new plant is strong enough, it can be transplanted into the orchard or garden. This method ensures that the propagated trees maintain the same characteristics as the 'Blue Tit' plum, including its fruit quality and growth habits.
