Prunus domestica Reinegold- Common plum

Prunus domestica 'Reinegold' is a low-growing variety. It forms a small bush only 3.5m (11ft) tall, making it a great choice for small gardens. This self-fertile plum tree blooms in March-April with white flowers that attract bees. These flowers develop into large round plums, with a beautiful golden yellow colour. They ripen in August. Their firm flesh is sweet and fragrant. The plums can be eaten fresh, or cooked in tarts and jams. This hardy tree should be grown in full sun in well-drained ordinary soil. 

Plum trees are part of the extensive Rosaceae family, which includes most temperate climate fruit trees (apples, pears, apricots, peach, cherries, and quince), as well as small fruits (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries). The Prunus genus itself is extremely large, with over 300 species, both fruit-bearing (almond, peach) and ornamental, including numerous ornamental trees and shrubs. Prunus domestica is probably native to Asia Minor (Syria) and would have been introduced to Rome, along with many other species, following the Roman conquests. According to some authors, its introduction to Europe may be more closely linked to the Crusades.

'Reinegold' is perfect for small gardens due to its compact size (approximately 3 to 3.50m (10 to 11ft) tall and 2m (7ft) wide). This variety, closely related to the 'Golden Reine Claude' plum (cultivated since at least the 16th century), is perfectly self-fertile and therefore does not require pollination by another plum tree. In March-April, clusters of single white flowers with 5 petals appear, which are attractive to bees. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into drupes, the fleshy stone fruits known as plums. These plums are round and large, and have a beautiful golden yellow colour. They ripen in August and can be harvested then. Their firm and juicy flesh is sweet and aromatic. These fruits can be consumed fresh as soon as they are harvested, and can also be used in tarts and jams. They can also be used to make brandy. Plums are refreshing fruits and relatively low in calories. They are rich in vitamin E.

Hardy to at least -20°C (-4°F), the plum tree is an easy-to-cultivate tree, resistant to diseases, and not very demanding once well established.

'Reinegold' will find its place in most gardens. Plant it with other dwarf fruit trees to create a small orchard. The dwarf 'Belle Hélène' pear tree will be a great companion, with its juicy and sweet fruits in September-October. To spread out your harvests throughout summer, plant the dwarf 'Griotella' cherry tree for beautiful harvests in July.