Prunus domestica Belle de Louvain - Common plum

The Prunus domestica 'Belle de Louvain' is an old variety of plum tree, quite vigorous, with late flowering, less exposed to late spring frosts, and well adapted to cold climates, especially since it is very hardy. Highly fertile, with regular production, this variety is not very susceptible to diseases. It produces large, elongated, dark reddish-purple plums in August with juicy and relatively firm flesh. They are best eaten fresh and are perfect for making desserts or jams. It is a self-fertile variety, but pollination will be better if you plant another variety nearby.

Plum trees belong to the extensive Rosaceae family, which includes most of our temperate fruit trees (Apple trees, Pear trees, Apricot trees, Peach trees, Cherry trees, Quince trees...) as well as small fruits (Blackberries, Raspberry bushes, Strawberry plants). The Prunus genus is huge, with over 300 species, both fruit-bearing (Almond trees, Peach trees...) and ornamental. The Prunus domestica is probably native to Asia Minor (Syria) and would have been introduced to Rome and many other species due to Roman conquests. According to some authors, its introduction to Europe may be more closely linked to the Crusades, but no one really knows for sure.

Belle de Louvain is a widely grown variety in Belgium, mainly because it is an excellent pollinator for other varieties. It is self-fertile, but cross-pollination with another variety, such as Opal or Stanley, will be beneficial. This Plum tree is quite vigorous and forms a small spreading tree, 4 to 5 m (13 to 16ft) tall and about 4 m (13ft) wide. This variety is characterised by late flowering, usually in April or May. It then bears clusters of simple white flowers with five petals attracting bees. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into drupes, fleshy stone fruits commonly known as plums. Those of Belle de Louvain ripen around mid-August and can be harvested then. The yellowish-green flesh is firm and juicy, with a slight fragrance and pleasantly sweet taste. These fruits are best eaten fresh after harvest and are well-suited for making jams. Plums are refreshing fruits that are relatively low in calories and rich in vitamin E.

Hardy down to -23°C or even lower, this variety grows in full sun in ordinary, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry. Once well-established, it is an easy-to-cultivate tree that is not very demanding.

This Belle de Louvain Plum tree is well adapted to eastern regions, where it can be accompanied by the Mirabelle de Nancy, which thrives under the same continental climate and soil conditions. Pair it with an apple tree to enjoy fruits throughout autumn and a pear tree like the Beurré Hardy, which produces from September to October and takes over from Belle de Louvain. In milder climates, you can diversify your orchard with a Persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki), such as the Costata variety, which will delight you with its vitamin-rich orange fruits.