Denniston's Superb plum
Although usually classed as a plum, Denniston's Superb is clearly related to the Reine Claude group of plums also known as gages and has been classified as such in the past. It is perhaps best considered as a gage-like plum. The plums are fairly small, round, and green - just like a green gage. Considered by the Victorian writer Hogg as "a first-rate dessert plum". The flavor also has the honeyed-sweetness which is characteristic of gages. The only downside is the skin, which can be slightly tough, and for cooking is best removed by blanching.
Although the fruit resembles a green gage, Denniston's Superb grows more like a plum tree, with good disease resistance and it is generally a good cropper. This combination makes it a good choice for the gardener who wants gage-like fruit without the horticultural difficulties often associated with gages.
Denniston's Superb plum identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Denniston's Superb
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 03 Aug 2012 John HarrisWORCESTERSHIRE, United StatesExactly as described by others. "Superb" We have tried for many years to identify our tree, but even the experts at the Pershore Plum Festival were baffled. We found the tree in the walled garden at "Heligan" in Cornwall, took a note of it's name and the Internet confirmed all the characteristics
- 15 Aug 2011 AndrewHERTFORDSHIRE, United KingdomI have two Dennistons Superb trees. The fruit they produce is green until July but then turns a golden green/yellow, almost becomming translucent as the fruit ripens in early August. The ripe fruit can't really be described as green and the photo is of unripe fruit.
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Alan Elsbury in Chippenham, WILTSHIRE
- Alan Elsbury in Chippenham, WILTSHIRE
- Alan Elsbury in Chippenham, WILTS
- Amanda in London,
- Andrew in Potters Bar, HERTFORDSHIRE
- Anthony Payne in Bath,
- Christine Connolly in LANCING, WEST SUXXEX
- Georgia Brown in London, LONDON
- Graham Silcocks in Hatherop, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
- Ian Hindley in WARMINGTON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
- Jean Lippett in Martock, SOMERSET
- Michelle Phalp in Bournemouth, DORSET
- Peter Revell in Hemel Hempstead, HERTS
- Richard Borrie in York, YORKSHIRE
- stanwatt2008@hotmail.co.uk in Gardenstown, ABERDEENSHIRE
Spring blossom records for this variety
2023 season
- 29th March 2023 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2022 season
- 2nd April 2022 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2020 season
- 26th March 2020 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2018 season
- 20th April 2018 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2017 season
- 25th March 2017 - tree owned by Georgia in London, United Kingdom
2016 season
- 14th April 2016 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2014 season
- 3rd April 2014 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2013 season
- 2nd May 2013 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2012 season
- 3rd April 2012 - tree owned by Alan in Chippenham, United Kingdom
- 28th March 2012 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2011 season
- 8th April 2011 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
- 12th March 2011 - tree owned by Alan in Chippenham, United Kingdom
2010 season
- 22nd April 2010 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Harvest records for this variety
2018 season
- 3rd week August 2018 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
2017 season
- 2nd week August 2017 - tree owned by Georgia in London, United Kingdom
2016 season
- 3rd week August 2016 - tree owned by Andrew in Potters Bar, United Kingdom
2011 season
- 2nd week August 2011 - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom
Origins
- Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
- Originates from: Albany, New York, United States
- Introduced: 19th century
- Developed by: Mr Isaac Denniston
Identification
- Country of origin: United States
- Period of origin: 1850 - 1899
- Fruit colour: Green - light
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Best sellers
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
- Leaf/Flower sequence: Flowers appear first
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Very good
- Cropping: Good
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Dual purpose
- Picking period: mid-August
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 2
- Pollinating others: Good
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Growth habit: Upright
- Organic culture: Suitable
- Attractive features: Attractive flowers
- Self-fertility: Self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Denniston's Superb plum trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Denniston's Superb plum trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.
References
- Fruit Expert
Author: Hessayon