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Shropshire Prune damson

Shropshire Prune

Shropshire Prune is the definitive northern English damson.  Its origins are not known, and it seems probable that there is no single "Shropshire Prune" variety but several closely-related varieties that have been cultivated from wild seedlings in various parts of north-west England.  Reflecting this diverse background the Shropshire Prune also has plenty of synonyms - including the Cheshire Damson, Westmoreland Damson, and Prune Damson.  Shropshire Prune can be distinguished by the relatively small compact tree habit, and the fruit which is more elongated than many other damsons.

The centre of commercial damson production in the UK is the Lyth Valley in Cumbria and Shropshire Prune (or its close relations) is the most widely planted variety in this area.

Shropshire Prune is a hardy tree, although not has hardy as some other damson varieties.  It is also not (at least by damson standards) a very heavy cropper.  However it is generally considered to have the richest flavour of any damson and this is the main reason for preferring it, although in our experience some other damson varieties are just as good in practice.

Shropshire Prune damson identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

  • Shropshire Prune

USDA identification images for Shropshire Prune

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

    • 15 Sep 2010  CALIFORNIA, United States
      I'm wanting to have about 5lbs of damsons sent to my mother near Manchester...she makes jam, but doesn't get out much now. Do you send them? If not, can you advise?
    • 04 Sep 2010  United Kingdom
      A fabulous damson. My father in law has sadly just passed away and there is tree in his garden, the fruits of which we have enjoyed for many years, the house is likely to be sold over the next few months, so can a cutting be taken from an old tree and propagated onto something else, if so, how, what sort of tree is the best host and what time of year.

    Tree register

    United Kingdom

    Ireland

    Poland

    New Zealand

    Spring blossom records for this variety

    2023 season

    • 9th April  2023  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2022 season

    • 7th April  2022  - tree owned by Richard in York, United Kingdom

    2016 season

    • April  2016  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2015 season

    • 25th April  2015  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom
    • 19th April  2015  - tree owned by Michael in Halifax, United Kingdom

    2014 season

    • 14th April  2014  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2013 season

    • 5th May  2013  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2012 season

    • 15th April  2012  - tree owned by Nickkk in Oldham, United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 15th April  2011  - tree owned by David in Ewerby Thorpe, Sleaford, United Kingdom
    • 5th April  2011  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • 15th April  2010  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • 19th April  2009  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.


    Harvest records for this variety

    2015 season

    • 3rd week September  2015  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2014 season

    • October  2014  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2013 season

    • October  2013  - tree owned by Paul in Southport, United Kingdom

    2011 season

    • 4th week July  2011  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    2010 season

    • 2nd week August  2010  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    2009 season

    • 3rd week August  2009  - tree owned by Hugh in Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom

    Origins

    • Species: Prunus insititia - Damson, Mirabelle, Bullace

    Identification

    • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
    • Country of origin: United Kingdom
    • Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
    • Fruit colour: Blue - dark
    • Flower colour: White
    • Leaf colour: Green
    • Popularity: Best sellers
    • Annual cycle: Deciduous
    • Awards: Slow Food - Ark of Taste

    Using

    • Cling-stone: Clingstone
    • Picking season: Mid
    • Keeping (of fruit): 1 week
    • Flavour quality: Very good
    • Cropping: Light
    • Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
    • Food uses: Culinary
    • Picking period: mid-September
    • Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators

    Growing

    • Gardening skill: Beginner
    • Flowering group: 3
    • Pollinating others: Average
    • Vigour: Weak growing
    • Bearing regularity: Regular
    • Organic culture: Suitable
    • Self-fertility: Self-fertile

    Climate

    • Climate suitability: Temperate climates
    • Climate suitability: Mild damp climates
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
    • Cold hardiness (RHS): H6 (to -20C)
    • Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)

    Other qualities

    • Disease resistance: Good
    • Silverleaf: Very resistant

    Where to buy trees

    The following tree nurseries offer Shropshire Prune damson trees for sale:


    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.



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