Kirke's Plum Prunus domestica 'Kirke's' (D)
ABOUT
The Prunus domestica 'Kirke's' is commonly known as the 'Kirke's' plum. This deciduous fruit tree is recognized for its attractive and bountiful presence in the garden. During the springtime, it boasts a profusion of white blossoms that create a charming and eye-catching display. As the seasons progress, these flowers give way to the main attraction of the plant: its fruit. The plums produced by 'Kirke's' are distinctive, with a deep purple or blueish skin that has a waxy bloom, giving them a matte appearance. The flesh of the plums is typically a rich yellow and known for being sweet, juicy, and succulent when ripe, making it a favorite for fresh eating as well as culinary uses like jams and preserves. The leaves of the 'Kirke's' plum are green and have a simple, ovate shape with a slightly serrated edge, typical of many stone fruit trees. They provide a lush backdrop for the bright fruit and remain on the tree throughout the growing season until they drop in the autumn.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Kirke's Plum, European Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Kirkes's', Prunus domestica 'Kirke's Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as plum. Generally, the fruit of the plum is not toxic to humans and is widely consumed. However, the pits, leaves, and stems of the plum tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can potentially release cyanide when ingested. If these parts of the plant are chewed and swallowed, the body can convert these compounds into cyanide. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, and even convulsions, leading to potential respiratory failure and death in severe cases. It's important to avoid consuming the pits, leaves, and stems of the plum tree.
To pets
The plant in question is commonly known as plum. Similar to humans, the fruit of the plum is generally not toxic to pets; however, the pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be converted into cyanide when ingested. If pets chew or swallow these parts of the plant, they can experience cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, it can lead to coma and death. To safeguard pets, prevent them from accessing the pits, leaves, and stems of the plum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritious Fruit: The European plum provides a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy diet.
- Culinary Versatility: Its fruit can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory sauces.
- Landscape Design: With its attractive flowers and foliage, it can enhance garden aesthetics.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it can offer a pleasant shade for outdoor spaces.
- Economic Value: It has commercial importance for fruit production and nursery sales.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Medical Properties- Laxative Effects: Prunus domestica, commonly known as the European plum, can have natural laxative properties due to the presence of dietary fibers and sorbitol.
- Antioxidant Properties: The fruit contains various antioxidants, such as vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which may help in reducing oxidative stress.
- Bone Health: Dried plums or prunes, which are made from Prunus domestica, are often cited for their potential role in maintaining bone health due to their high content of micronutrients like boron and potassium.
- Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in European plums can contribute to digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the plum tree can be used for small woodworking projects like crafting musical instruments or intricate carvings due to its fine grain and workability.
- Natural Dyes: The skin and pulp of the plum can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects, producing a range of purple and blue hues.
- Ink Production: A deep purple ink can be made from the juice of overripe plums, used historically for writing and drawing.
- Companion Planting: Plum trees can be used in gardens as part of a companion planting strategy to help deter pests from other plants.
- Animal Feed: Fallen or overripe plums can be collected and used as supplemental feed for livestock, such as pigs and goats.
- Smoking Wood Chips: The wood from plum trees can be chipped and used for adding a fruity smoke flavor to meats during the smoking process.
- Eco-Friendly Fire Starters: Dried plum pits can be used as a natural fire starter for barbecues or campfires.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of the plum tree, particularly when in bloom, can be used in floral arrangements for their aesthetic appeal.
- Plum Pit Carvings: Small crafts and jewelry such as necklaces and beads can be created by artistically carving the hard pits of plums.
- Water Filtration: Crushed plum seeds have the potential to be used in water filtration systems to help remove impurities due to their adsorption properties.
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 tree, which 'Kirke's' is a cultivar of, often produces fruits in large quantities, symbolizing wealth and plenty.
- Renewal - Like other fruit trees, the European plum goes through a cycle of dormancy and rebirth, ushering in the spring with new growth, which can symbolize new beginnings or rejuvenation.
- Inheritance - Since European plum trees can live for many years, they are often planted as a legacy for future generations, representing inheritance and the passing on of wealth or knowledge.
- Fertility - The prolific nature of the tree's fruit production is often associated with fertility, both in terms of fruitfulness and creativity.
- Inner Richness - The sweet, rich fruit of the European plum can symbolize inner richness of the soul or personal growth.
WaterThe European plum 'Kirke's Blue' should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, making sure to thoroughly saturate the root zone. Aim to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water for younger trees, and 2 to 4 gallons for established trees, depending on the size and the weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the tree is dormant. Ensure that the plant has well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
LightThe European plum 'Kirke's Blue' thrives best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce healthy foliage and an abundant fruit crop. Choose an unobstructed location where the tree will receive plenty of sunshine throughout the day for optimal growth and fruit production.
TemperatureEuropean plum 'Kirke's Blue' can tolerate a range of temperatures and are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. They can survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F, and their ideal growing temperature range during the growing season is between 65°F to 75°F. Temperatures exceeding 95°F may stress the tree and affect fruit development, so it is important to provide adequate water during periods of extreme heat.
PruningPrune European plum 'Kirke's Blue' to maintain tree health, shape the canopy for sunlight penetration, and to remove any dead or diseased wood. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning cuts are important to promote fruit size and quality, and yearly pruning is recommended to keep the tree productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean Plum 'Kirke's' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and aged manure to provide nutrients and improve drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingEuropean Plum 'Kirke's', being a fruit tree, is not commonly repotted as it is usually planted directly in the ground. Fruit trees are typically only repotted when they are young and grown in containers, usually every 2 to 4 years until they are planted out.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Plum 'Kirke's' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions outdoors but does not require specific humidity control. This plant prefers outdoor conditions where ambient humidity is generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing European Plum 'Kirke's' inside isn't ideal, needs sun and space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
European Plum 'Kirke's' is suited for 5-9 USDA.
Life cyclePrunus domestica 'Kirke's' (D), commonly known as Kirke's Plum, begins its life as a dormant seed, which upon receiving the right environmental cues, such as soil temperature and moisture, germinates and develops a root system and a shoot that grows toward the light. The seedling then matures into a young sapling, which gradually forms a wooden trunk and branches, developing leaves that photosynthesize to spur further growth. After a few years, once mature enough, it enters the flowering stage in spring, producing white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruits, plums, develop through the summer and ripen by late summer to early autumn, when they can be harvested. Once mature, the tree cycles through these annual stages of growth, flowering, and fruiting for many years, assuming adequate care and suitable conditions. At the end of its life cycle, which can span several decades, the tree's productivity declines until it eventually dies, potentially leaving behind seeds to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus domestica 'Kirke's', commonly known as Kirke's Blue Plum, is typically propagated by grafting. This method is favored for its ability to produce true-to-type trees that bear fruit consistent with the parent cultivar. Grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring before the sap begins to flow. The selected rootstock should be compatible with the Kirke's Blue Plum, often a cultivar that provides increased hardiness or disease resistance. A common grafting technique is the whip-and-tongue graft, which involves making matching diagonal cuts on both the rootstock and scion, which is a piece of the Kirke's Blue Plum that contains buds. These are then joined together and securely wrapped, and the joint is covered with grafting wax to prevent drying out. In a successful graft, the scion will begin to grow and eventually develop into the desired fruit-bearing tree.
