Damson plum is a hardy and attractive fruit tree or shrub that is well suited to Swedish gardens. It flowers early in spring with white blossoms and produces small, aromatic fruits that are just as suitable for eating fresh as for making jam and baking. Damson plum is easy to grow, copes well with our climate and is available both as a tree and in shrub form.
Site and placement
For damson plum to thrive and produce an abundant harvest, the growing site is important. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded location. Full sun provides the best flowering and fruit ripening, but damson plum also tolerates partial shade better than many other plums.
The soil should be well-drained, nutrient-rich and preferably slightly clay-based yet still loose. Damson plum dislikes standing water, especially during winter. A sheltered position is an advantage, particularly in colder parts of the country where spring frosts can damage the blossom.
Damson plum is hardy in large parts of Sweden and is well suited to growing zones one to four, and sometimes even higher zones in sheltered locations.
Tree or shrub
Damson plum can be grown both as a small tree and as a multi-stemmed shrub. The tree form works well as a solitary feature in the garden or in an orchard. The shrub form is excellent for natural gardens, as a free-growing hedge or in larger borders where it is allowed to spread.
The shrub form is often slightly hardier and can be a good choice in exposed locations or where a more natural-looking plant is desired.
Planting
Plant damson plum in spring or autumn when the ground is frost-free. Start by digging a generous planting hole, at least twice as wide as the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom and mix the excavated soil with compost.
Place the plant so that it sits at the same depth as it did in the pot. Fill in with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly. Water regularly during the first growing season so that the roots establish well.
If planting several plants, allow a spacing of approximately three to four metres for trees and two to three metres for shrubs.
Care and watering
Once established, damson plum is relatively low maintenance. Water during prolonged dry periods, especially during fruit development. A layer of organic material such as grass clippings or leaves around the base helps retain moisture and improves the soil.
Fertilise sparingly in spring with compost or a mild organic fertiliser. Too much nitrogen results in abundant leaf growth but fewer fruits.
Pruning
Damson plum does not require much pruning. For tree forms, pruning mainly involves removing dead, damaged or crossing branches and keeping the crown open and airy. Prune preferably in late summer or early autumn when the risk of disease is lower.
The shrub form is pruned by removing older branches at ground level to make room for new shoots. This is done every two to three years to keep the shrub vigorous and fruit-bearing.
Avoid heavy pruning, as damson plum responds better to gentle intervention.
Flowering and harvest
Damson plum flowers early and is an important plant for pollinating insects. The fruits ripen from late summer to early autumn depending on variety and location. Harvest when the fruits have developed colour and detach easily. The flavour is often fresh with a clear balance of sweetness and acidity.
Tips for successful growing
Combine damson plum with other plums or damson varieties nearby for improved pollination. Leave fallen fruit on the ground for a short time to support biodiversity, but remove overripe fruit to reduce the risk of pests.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-02-05