Plum
Prunus domestica
Also called Plums, Damson and Greengage
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitTHIN THE FRUIT IN JUNE, hard — one plum every 7cm. A plum left to carry everything it sets breaks its own branches, and silver leaf gets in through the wound.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, sheltered from spring frost
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 3 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- The Caucasus and northern Iran
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The leaves, stems and stones. Safe to eat: the ripe flesh.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.