Prunus domestica 'Luisa'

A deciduous, spreading tree growing to around 5m tall and 3m wide depending on pruning.

This fruit tree produces 5-petalled pure white flowers in early spring followed by oval edible fruit. The fruit has yellow to orange skin, yellow flesh and is very sweet and juicy. This tree is self-fertile so it will not need another tree to produce fruit. It's one of the sweetest plums. Leaves are oblong to oblong and bright green.

Prefers full sun with well-drained soil and shelter from strong winds. This cultivar of plum will tolerate colder temperatures and heavier soil than Japanese plums.

Always choose healthy, well-grown, plants and plant after autumn rains, when the soil is moist and warm allows trees to establish a good root system well before summer. Planting is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball to plant in. Long term slow-release fertilisers may be added at this stage. As soil is placed in the prepared hole, tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball. Unless the soil is very wet water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball. In windy positions, staking may be required. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing. Tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth without constriction. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. European plums like this one rarely need fruit thinning. Pruning of European plums should be carried in the winter months when their growth is a lot less vigorous than that of the Japanese plums. The only branches that should require pruning are any that are dead, diseased or damaged or if there are any crossing. New shoots should be taken back to encourage fruiting spurs. These plums produce fruit on spurs that are at least one year old. See our Pruning Guide for more info.

Attracts beneficial insects to the garden.

Caterpillars may damage leaves, as will rosella parrots. Silver leaf, a disease of the plum family can also be troublesome but you can guard against this by disinfecting your secateurs between pruning of each tree.

Orchard

This cultivar is self-fertile so will not need another tree to produce fruit. Another tree to help with cross-pollination would help increase the size of the crop. European plums produce fruit when the tree is around 3 to 5 years of age.