Marjorie's Seedling Plum Prunus domestica 'Marjorie's Seedling' (C)
ABOUT
The 'Marjorie's Seedling' plum is recognized for its attractive appearance, from its growth habit to the fruits it bears. Typically, this plum plant has a robust and upright branching structure that fans out slightly, giving it a well-rounded shape. The branches are adorned with oval-shaped leaves that have a smooth, lush green surface, with a subtly rippled texture and slightly pointed tips, which gently flutter in the breeze. As the seasons change, the plant's visual appeal is marked by its blooming period when it showcases delicate white flowers. These blooms emerge in clusters, creating a soft, almost cloud-like effect amidst the green foliage. The flowers have a simple yet charming character, with each comprising five rounded petals around a center of delicate reproductive parts. Following the flowering stage, the true showstoppers of this plant, the plums, begin to develop. These fruits are typically large and have an elongated shape, quite akin to a small oval. As they mature, their skin transforms into a deep purplish-blue hue, with a light dusty-white coating, often referred to as bloom, that can be gently rubbed away. This provides not only a textural element to the plant but also a pleasing color contrast against the green leaves. Upon reaching full ripeness, these plums have a succulent and juicy flesh that promises a burst of sweet and slightly tart flavors. Their inviting fragrance adds another sensory layer to the plant's overall character. Overall, 'Marjorie's Seedling' is a visually satisfying plum variety, known for its bountiful, tasty fruit, and the seasonal charm added to any garden space through its blooms, foliage, and structural growth habit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Marjorie's Seedling Plum, European Plum.
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Marjorie's Seedling'.
ToxicityTo humans
Plum 'Marjorie's Seedling' is generally not toxic to humans when the fruit is consumed. However, like other stone fruits, the pit (also known as the stone or kernel) contains amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. Eating plum pits can lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and even coma or death in severe cases. Therefore, while the flesh of the plum is safe to eat, care should be taken to avoid consuming the pits.
To pets
Plum 'Marjorie's Seedling' can be toxic to pets if they consume parts of the plant other than the ripe fruit flesh. The pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanide-producing compounds like amygdalin, and ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, lethargy, shock, and in severe cases, even death. To ensure the safety of pets, it is essential to prevent them from chewing on any part of the plum tree other than the fruit itself, and to be cautious not to allow access to fallen pits or fruit that may have pits inside.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowering - The plant produces beautiful white blooms in spring which add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Fruit Production - It yields edible plums that can be used for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.
- Shade Provider - As a deciduous tree, it offers shade during hot summer months when it is in full leaf.
- Wildlife Habitat - Offers food and shelter for birds and other wildlife species.
- Pollination Support - Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest - Offers varying interest throughout the year with its seasonal changes in foliage and fruit.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant content: Plums, including those from the cultivar Prunus domestica 'Marjorie's Seedling', contain vitamins such as vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress.
- Digestive aid: The dietary fiber in plums can promote healthy digestion and help prevent constipation.
- Blood sugar regulation: Plums have a low glycemic index, which may help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Bone health support: Certain studies suggest that the consumption of plums may support bone health due to their content of micronutrients like potassium and vitamin K.
- Cardiovascular health: The potassium found in plums can be beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and therefore supporting cardiovascular health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The skin and pulp of plums can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, providing a range of purple and pink hues.
- Woodworking: The wood of the plum tree is valued for its decorative grain and is used in fine woodworking and cabinetry.
- Ink preparation: Juice from plums can be reduced and mixed with other natural ingredients to create a homemade ink for writing or drawing.
- Moth repellent: Dried plum leaves can be put into sachets and used as a natural moth repellent in closets and drawers.
- Animal feed: Fallen or over-ripe plums can be fed to livestock such as pigs as a part of their diet.
- Garden mulch: Crushed plum pits and branches can be used to create mulch for garden beds, providing nutrients as they decompose.
- Enriching compost: Plum waste, such as skins and pits, can be added to compost bins to help enrich the resulting compost with organic material.
- Natural playdough colorant: The juice from plums can be used as a natural colorant in homemade playdough for children.
- Firewood: Once dried, plum branches can be used as firewood, providing a sweet-smelling smoke when burned.
- Fruit leather: Pureed plum flesh can be dried into fruit leather, a natural and healthy snack option.
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- Fertility: As a fruit-bearing tree, the European plum often symbolizes fertility and abundance.
- Inner Growth: The European plum can represent personal development, owing to its growth from a seed to a fruit-bearing tree.
- Renewal: Blooming in the spring, this tree is associated with new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Wealth: The bounty of fruit produced can symbolize material and spiritual wealth.
WaterMarjorie's Seedling plum trees require deep watering to encourage strong root development; this is particularly important during the first few years. In the growing season, water the tree once a week with about 2 to 3 gallons per session when there's no significant rainfall. Adjust the frequency to every two weeks if the plant is well-established or rainfall is sufficient. In hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every few weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch.
LightMarjorie's Seedling plum trees thrive in full sunlight, which means they should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in regions with very hot summers. Avoid locations where the tree will be in the shadow of larger plants or buildings during the prime daylight hours.
TemperatureMarjorie's Seedling plum trees prefer temperate climates and require a period of winter chill to set fruit. They can survive winter lows down to approximately -20°F but are best suited for areas where the temperatures range between 15°F and 75°F. The ideal growing temperature for these plums is between 55°F and 75°F during the active growing season.
PruningPruning Marjorie's Seedling plum trees is important to maintain tree health, improve air circulation, and encourage a good crop of fruit. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove diseased or damaged branches, thin out dense areas, and shape the tree to allow light to reach all the fruits. Additionally, prune out suckers and water sprouts that appear at the base of the tree or along the branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean Plum 'Marjorie's Seedling' prefers a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good blend can be made of equal parts loam, peat, and sand to ensure adequate drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingEuropean Plums, including 'Marjorie's Seedling', are typically not repotted as they are grown as outdoor trees. Instead, they may require occasional transplanting only if they outgrow their space or conditions are unsuitable.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Plum 'Marjorie's Seedling' thrives best in outdoor conditions where the natural humidity levels are moderate. They do not require specific humidity control as they are hardy and adapt to the ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus domestica 'Marjorie's Seedling', commonly known as the European Plum or 'Marjorie's Seedling' plum, begins its life as a seed, which after stratification germinates in the spring. The seedling grows into a young sapling, which gradually establishes itself into a fruit-bearing tree through vegetative growth and the development of a sturdy root system over several years. Once mature, typically around 3-5 years after planting, the plum tree enters its reproductive phase, producing flowers in the spring that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of plums. The plums mature during the summer and are typically ready for harvest in late summer or early autumn. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the cold winter months. This cycle of flowering, fruiting, and dormancy repeats annually for the productive lifespan of the tree, which can be several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Prunus domestica 'Marjorie's Seedling', commonly known as the Marjorie's Seedling plum, is typically propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method for this type of fruit tree. The ideal time for grafting is in late winter or early spring before the tree begins its active growth cycle. During this period, a scion, or cutting, from a healthy Marjorie's Seedling plum tree that contains at least two or three buds is spliced onto a compatible rootstock. The rootstock is often a different species of Prunus that provides disease resistance and controls the size of the tree. The cut surfaces of both the scion and rootstock are matched up and bound together with grafting tape or a similar material to promote a successful union. Once the graft has healed and the scion begins to grow, supported by the rootstock, the new tree will bear fruit identical to the Marjorie's Seedling plum.
