Coe's Golden Drop Plum Prunus domestica 'Coe's Golden Drop' (D)
ABOUT
The Coe's Golden Drop plum is known for its attractive appearance, characterized by a well-branched and spreading canopy of lush green leaves. The foliage has a classic oval shape with a pointed tip and edges that are smoothly curved, giving the tree a full and healthy look. During the bloom season, it's adorned with charming white flowers that provide a gentle contrast against the greenery. These blossoms are not only beautiful to look at but are also inviting to pollinators, playing a crucial role in the tree's fruit production. The standout feature of the Coe's Golden Drop is its distinctive fruit. The plums are notable for their oval, almost oblong shape and they possess a lovely golden-yellow skin that's often marked with a slight reddish blush on the side that gets the most sun. This gives the fruit an appealing, two-toned appearance. The flesh inside is a striking golden color, firm to the touch when unripe but becoming deliciously juicy and sweet as it matures. The skin of the ripe fruits glistens in the sunlight, making them not only a tasty treat but also a visually stunning addition to the garden. Each of these plums, when ripe, promises a dessert-quality flavor that is highly sought after by fruit enthusiasts and home gardeners alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Coe's Golden Drop Plum, Golden Drop
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Coe's Golden Drop'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as the plum. Plums are not toxic to humans when consumed as the fruit pulp. However, the plum seeds, also known as pits, contain compounds that can be converted into cyanide, which is toxic, when ingested in large quantities. If someone were to crack open and consume the inner seed in significant amounts, there could be a risk of poisoning with symptoms including headache, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. The likelihood of poisoning from eating a small number of seeds is low, but care should be taken to avoid consuming the pits.
To pets
The plum can also be toxic to pets, particularly dogs. Similar to humans, the flesh of the fruit itself is not toxic, but the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that can turn into cyanide when metabolized. If a pet ingests large quantities of these parts of the plum, they could experience cyanide poisoning. Symptoms may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. Therefore, it is essential to prevent pets from having access to the pits or any other part of the plant besides the fruit pulp.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12 feet (3.6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The 'Coe's Golden Drop' Plum is known for its attractive blooms in the spring, providing aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Fruit Production: It produces delicious golden-yellow plums that are enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved.
- Wildlife Attraction: The tree's flowers attract pollinators like bees, while its fruit is a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it can provide shade in landscapes and help reduce local temperatures.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety offers visual interest throughout the growing season with blossoms, fruit, and autumn foliage color changes.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the tree can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain settings.
- Culinary Uses: The plums from 'Coe's Golden Drop' are excellent for culinary uses, including jams, jellies, desserts, and savory dishes.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained.
- Pollination Support: Can serve as a pollination partner for other plum varieties that require cross-pollination to bear fruit.
- Community Engagement: Fruit trees often encourage community engagement, such as in community gardens or orchards, where people share in the care and harvest of the trees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: European plum trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, as well as small mammals.
- Culinary Dye: The skin of European plums can be used to create a natural purple dye for fabrics or food coloring.
- Woodworking: The dense, hard wood of the European plum tree can be used for making small decorative items or intricate woodworking projects.
- Natural Air Freshener: Dried European plum slices can be included in potpourri mixes for a sweet, fruity fragrance.
- Craft Material: Fallen branches can be stripped, sanded, and used in rustic craft projects or for making walking sticks.
- Bonsai Specimen: Enthusiasts might cultivate European plum trees as bonsai for their attractive flowers and fruit.
- Fruit Pits for Jewelry: Cleaned and polished European plum pits can be used to create unique, eco-friendly jewelry.
- Insect Repelling: Some people use branches or leaves of European plum trees to deter insects in gardens because of their scent.
- Teaching Tool: The tree can be used as a living example in educational settings to teach about plant biology, grafting, and fruit development.
- Photography Subject: With its beautiful blossoms and golden fruit, the European plum tree can be an excellent subject for photographers.
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, which 'Coe's Golden Drop' is a cultivar of, is often laden with fruits that signify wealth and plenty.
- Renewal - As a fruit-bearing tree, the European plum symbolizes the cycle of life and the fresh start that comes with each new growing season.
- Inheritance - The enduring nature of the European plum and its cultivations like 'Coe's Golden Drop' can represent familial legacy and the passing of knowledge and property through generations.
- Inner Richness - The sweet, rich taste of the European plum's fruit can signify the concept of inner wealth and a rich, fulfilling inner life.
- Beauty - With its attractive fruits and flowers, the European plum can symbolize beauty and the appreciation for aesthetics.
WaterEuropean plum trees, including the 'Coe's Golden Drop', should be watered deeply to encourage deep root development. Young trees need about 1 to 2 gallons per week, while established trees generally require around 2 to 4 gallons every two weeks during the growing season. In the absence of rainfall, water the base of the tree until the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can cause root rot. During the dormant season, watering can be reduced significantly, as the tree's water requirements are much lower.
LightEuropean plum trees such as 'Coe's Golden Drop' thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimum fruit production. The best spot for planting is an open area where the tree can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid shaded spots or areas that are frequently shadowed by buildings or taller plants.
TemperatureThe 'Coe's Golden Drop' European plum tree grows well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The ideal growing temperatures are between 35 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but the trees can tolerate winter cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, late spring frosts can damage blossoms and reduce fruit yield, so consider the local frost dates when planting.
PruningPrune 'Coe's Golden Drop' European plum trees in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, to maintain tree structure, health, and to promote fruit production. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and cut back limbs that are growing inward towards the center of the tree. Pruning should be done annually to keep the tree productive and manageable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coe's Golden Drop plum trees should be well-draining and fertile with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix often recommended consists of one-third topsoil, one-third organic compost, and one-third coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Regular testing and amendments may be needed to maintain the optimal pH and soil conditions.
RepottingFor Coe's Golden Drop plum trees, repotting is not frequently required as these are larger fruit trees typically planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years until they are planted in the ground. Mature plum trees rarely if ever need repotting.
Humidity & MistingCoe's Golden Drop plum trees prefer moderate humidity levels common in outdoor environments but do not require specific humidity control. As temperate fruit trees, they are adapted to withstand the typical range of humidity levels found across climates suitable for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Coe's Golden Drop plums are not suitable for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus domestica 'Coe's Golden Drop', commonly known as Coe's Golden Drop plum, begins its life cycle when a pit from a mature plum germinates in suitable soil, leading to the development of a seedling. The seedling grows into a sapling and eventually matures into a flowering tree within a few years, provided it receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. During spring, the tree produces white flowers that are pollinated by insects, which leads to the development of the fruit. By late summer or early autumn, the plums reach maturity, showcasing their characteristic golden-yellow skin with a sweet, rich flavor. After fruiting, the leaves of the plant will wither and drop as the plant enters dormancy during the cold winter months. Finally, with the return of warmer weather, the cycle resumes as the plant breaks dormancy, sprouts new foliage, and once again prepares for the flowering and fruiting season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
Propogation: The European plum, Prunus domestica 'Coe's Golden Drop', is typically propagated by grafting, the most popular method for this plant. Grafting is done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. In this process, a cutting or 'scion' from a mature Coe's Golden Drop plum is joined to a compatible rootstock, often from a hardy plum variety with desirable characteristics. The scion is cut at an angle to match a similar cut in the rootstock, then the two pieces are fitted together and bound securely. This grafting area is usually coated with a grafting wax to prevent drying and disease. Over time, the scion and rootstock will grow together, merging their vascular systems so that the scion can flourish and produce fruit characteristic of the Coe's Golden Drop plum.
