Victoria belongs to the genus Prunus which is a group of flowering trees and shrubs that produce what are commonly known as stone fruit. This includes many of our most delicious fruit, like peaches, nectarines, almonds, and our very own Cherie, the cherry tree. All of these trees are deciduous which means they lose their leaves in winter and flower on bare stems in early spring, after which they produce fruit that ripen throughout summer and can be harvested in August and September. Because it flowers in early spring, the flowers are vulnerable to frost, so a sheltered spot is ideal. Victoria is a self-fertile tree that produces dessert, culinary plums that will have the sweet sticky juice dripping down your chin, if the birds don’t get them first!
To get as much fruit as possible, it’s a good idea to prune your tree. Only do this in spring (April) or summer (July) to avoid your tree getting the disease called Silver Leaf. Using clean, sharp secateurs cut back any dead, diseased or dying stems as well as any that are growing inwards towards the centre of the tree, and any that are crossing. You’re aiming for an open goblet shape that lets in lots of light and air. This prevents pests and diseases and helps your fruit ripen. Don’t be scared of pruning; you’re actually doing your tree a favour. To prevent pests and diseases, it’s a good idea to regularly spray your tree with bug control spray.
While you can leave it in it's nursery pot (the plastic pot it comes in), we recommend planting it up into a larger decorative pot. This will give it room to grow and means you'll need to water it a little less often. Either way, remember to repot it every two to three years if you're not planting it straight out into the garden.
Did you know?
The tree was named after Queen Victoria at the beginning of her reign in 1837. If it’s fit for royalty, it’s fit for you.
Bright light
Feeding
Regular watering
