Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Damsons are hardier forms of plum, making smaller, robust trees that are often used for windbreaks or hedging. They may also be trained on walls and grown as pyramids. Damsons will often crop heavily in soils and positions where larger plums fail, producing abundant rich fruits used for cooking or preserves.

Most varieties are very similar and partially self-fertile, yielding well if planted on their own. Prunus insititia 'Farleigh Damson', also known as 'Farleigh' and 'Farleigh Prolific', is one of the best, especially if pollinated with another variety. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyes
Fruitsyesyes
Pruneyes
Harvestyesyes

Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ and wildlife

Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ poisonous?

Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement