Two-in-one plum tree - Prunus Black Amber and Golden Japan

The 'Black Amber' and 'Golden Japan' two-in-one plum tree produces a beautiful harvest from July to August. They cross-pollinate for abundant fruiting on a single tree. These varieties are grafted in a Y-shape onto the same rootstock, saving space in the garden while offering their distinctly different flavours and colours. After the decorative, nectar-rich white spring blossom, the tree develops its foliage. In summer, its shade is appreciated. This hardy, plum tree thrives in ordinary, well-worked, rich, and deep soil, not too dry in summer. Plant it as a standalone specimen in a lawn, within an orchard, or as part of a fruit hedge.

This tree combines two grafts:

- A 'Black Amber' Plum graft: This variety produces round plums with almost black skin and amber-yellow flesh, firm and juicy, with a sweet-tart flavour. Highly prized for its crisp texture, it can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or in pastries. Harvest in August.

- A 'Golden Japan' Plum graft: This early-ripening variety offers large, round, golden plums with melting, very sweet flesh, ideal for fresh consumption. Harvest begins in July, allowing you to enjoy the first summer fruits.

Prunus salicina (Japanese Plum) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, like apricot, almond, and peach trees. Unlike Prunus domestica (European plum), it originates from China, where it has grown wild for millennia before being introduced to Japan and then the West. The ‘Black Amber’ variety was developed in the United States. It is particularly cultivated in California, where it benefits from a favourable climate for ripening. The ‘Golden Japan’ variety, on the other hand, is an ancient variety from Japan, known for its early fruiting and golden, juicy, sweet plums. It has spread widely in Europe and Mediterranean orchards due to its great adaptability and productivity. This two-in-one Black Amber & Golden Japan plum tree forms a fruit tree with a rounded framework, reaching around 4 to 5 metres in height, producing numerous shoots grouped into spreading crowns. Its habit suits free forms, whether grown as a standard, half-standard, or bush. Its deciduous foliage consists of obovate, 6 to 8 cm long, scalloped and toothed leaves, slightly hairy underneath, and a vibrant dark green. Flowering begins in late March to early April, with an explosion of white, 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter flowers appearing on the previous year's shoots before the leaves emerge.

The ‘Golden Japan’ variety is earlier, flowering in late March, while ‘Black Amber’ follows in early April. Although sensitive to spring frosts, the blossom is so abundant that it ensures a good yield despite potential losses. It is a true spring spectacle, attracting bees and pollinators with its rich, honey-producing nectar.
This double plum tree is hardy down to -20°C and has the advantage of being self-fertile. The presence of both varieties on the same tree promotes cross-pollination, improving the quantity and quality of the fruit produced. These two plum varieties, grafted onto the same tree, offer generous and regular fruiting, with quick fruit setting, as early as 3 to 4 years after planting. Full production is reached between 5 and 7 years. A mature plum tree, aged 10 to 20 years, can produce an average of 35 to 50 kg of plums per year.

As plums are delicate fruits, harvest them carefully by hand or with a picking pole, taking care not to damage them. They are ready to eat straight from the tree, fresh and juicy, perfect for snacking on or adding to a fruit salad. They also elevate desserts like clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or tarts and complement savoury dishes, particularly with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal) or in tagines. These plums are also ideal for turning into jams, compotes, juices, or syrup preserves. Beyond being delicious, plums are a healthy choice. They are low in calories, rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and contain a notable amount of iron. Packed with vitamins C, B, E, and K, as well as antioxidants and fibre, they are energising and hydrating.