European Plum Prunus domestica 'Laxton's Delight' (D)
ABOUT
'Laxton's Delight' is a variety of plum known for its appealing visual and tangible characteristics. This plant bears an abundant display of white flowers that gently bloom in the springtime, creating an alluring sight before the arrival of its fruit. The foliage is vibrant green, exhibiting an ovate to elliptic shape with a finely serrated edge that frames the branches with lushness during the growing season. As summer progresses, this plant produces plums with a skin that has a deep, rich hue implying the sweet juiciness within. These plums often show a powdery bloom on their exterior, which is a natural feature that can give them a somewhat frosted appearance. The flesh inside is succulent and typically described as having a delightful sweet-tart flavor, making the fruits both visually and gustatorily appealing. The overall look of the plant is one of abundant fruitfulness and pastoral beauty, creating an inviting presence in any garden it adorns.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Laxton's Delight Plum, European Plum, Common Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Laxton's Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
The European plum is generally safe for human consumption, specifically the flesh of the fruit. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting these parts in large quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and potentially can result in coma, respiratory failure, and even death if consumed in very large quantities.
To pets
European plum can also be toxic to pets due to the same cyanogenic glycosides found in the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant. If pets ingest these parts of the plant, they may experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Severe cases can lead to seizures, coma, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. The flesh of the plum is typically not harmful, but care should be taken to ensure pets do not have access to the toxic parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Plums from Prunus domestica Laxton's Delight are high in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
- Culinary Versatility: The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried as prunes, or used in various recipes including jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its attractive blossoms in spring and foliage, this plant offers aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can offer shelter and its fruits serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Shade and Cooling: As a deciduous tree, it can offer shade in the summer, potentially reducing cooling costs for nearby structures.
- Soil Improvement: Like many fruit trees, it can help in maintaining healthy soil through leaf litter and nutrient uptake balance.
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 plums like 'Laxton's Delight' can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects.
- Ink and Dye: The skin and pulp of the European plum can be boiled down to produce a natural dye for fabrics or a purple-hued ink for artwork.
- Woodworking: The wood of the European plum tree is valued for its fine grain and is used in turning, carving, and inlay work in fine furniture.
- Smoking Food: Wood chips from the European plum tree can be used in smokers to impart a fruity flavor to meats and cheeses.
- Environmental Education: This variety of European plum can serve as a teaching tool in botany and horticulture classes, illustrating plant development and breeding.
- Culinary Artistry: The fruit of 'Laxton's Delight' can be used in molecular gastronomy to create purees, foams, and other innovative dishes.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of the European plum tree, with their attractive foliage and sometimes blossoms, can be used in floral displays and arrangements.
- Photography: The tree, when in full bloom or laden with fruit, can serve as a subject for nature photography and seasonal imagery.
- Ecological Surveys: The occurrence and health of 'Laxton's Delight' trees can be indicators of environmental conditions in certain regions.
- Craft Supplies: The leaves, pits, and stems of the European plum can be used in arts and crafts for decoration or as natural crafting materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Plum Tree, the most common name for Prunus domestica, can be used in Feng Shui to encourage positive energy related to abundance and perseverance, as fruit trees are often seen as symbols of growth and regeneration. Planting a Plum Tree in the east sector of a garden can promote family harmony and health, while in the southeast it may attract wealth and prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Plum Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Abundance - Prunus domestica, commonly known as the plum tree, often symbolizes abundance due to its plentiful fruit and rich harvests.
- Renewal - The plum tree is a perennial plant that blossoms annually, representing the idea of renewal and the cycle of life.
- Innocence - With its delicate flowers, the plum tree can sometimes be associated with purity and innocence.
- Strength - The resilience of the plum tree to grow in various conditions and bear fruit is often seen as a symbol of inner strength and perseverance.
- Beauty - The aesthetic appeal of its flowers and fruits makes the plum tree synonymous with beauty and grace.
WaterThe European plum, specifically the 'Laxton's Delight' variety, requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with approximately 2 gallons of water each time for a young tree. Mature trees may require up to 10 gallons per week during dry spells. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering frequency. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
LightThe European plum, including 'Laxton's Delight', thrives in full sun. The best spot for this fruit tree is in an area where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Adequate light is essential for flower and fruit production.
TemperatureThe European plum 'Laxton's Delight' fares well in a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20°F but may be damaged by temperatures below 15°F. The ideal growing conditions are between 65°F and 75°F during the growing season.
PruningPruning the European plum, 'Laxton's Delight', promotes healthy growth and enhances fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or diseased branches and thinning out the canopy for better light penetration. Annual pruning is recommended to maintain the tree's shape and to remove any suckers or water sprouts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlum trees like 'Laxton's Delight' thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, a slightly acidic to neutral range. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand can be ideal for proper growth and fruit production.
RepottingYoung 'Laxton's Delight' plum trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth, while mature trees may not need repotting if planted in the ground.
Humidity & Misting'Laxton's Delight' plum trees prefer outdoor conditions where humidity is moderate but can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as they are not extreme.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Can't grow plums indoors; they need outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-draining soil, water regularly, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus domestica 'Laxton's Delight', commonly known as Laxton's Delight plum, begins its life as a seed which germinates in the soil under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling then emerges and establishes roots, developing into a young sapling with leaves that undergo photosynthesis to fuel growth. This plum tree enters a juvenile phase where it grows rapidly but does not yet fruit, focusing on expanding its root system, branches, and foliage. Following this, it reaches maturity, at which point it blooms in the spring with white or pale pink flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The plums mature during the summer, providing a harvest typically from late July to September, depending on climate and conditions. After years of fruiting, the tree eventually ages and its productivity declines until it reaches the end of its lifecycle, which for fruit trees can be several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Prunus domestica 'Laxton's Delight', commonly known as the Laxton's Delight plum, is through grafting. Grafting is typically done in late winter to early spring, before the sap starts flowing heavily. In this process, a cutting or scion from a mature Laxton's Delight plum tree is joined onto the rootstock of another compatible Prunus species. The point of union is securely wrapped and sealed to prevent desiccation and infection. Over a period, the tissues of the two plants grow together, forming a strong graft. Grafting not only perpetuates the desirable characteristics of the Laxton's Delight plum but also can provide the tree with a root system better adapted to local soil conditions or increase its resistance to certain pests and diseases.
