Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Damsons are hardier forms of plum, making smaller, robust trees that are often used for windbreaks or hedging. They may also be trained on walls and grown as pyramids. Damsons will often crop heavily in soils and positions where larger plums fail, producing abundant rich fruits used for cooking or preserves.
Most varieties are very similar and partially self-fertile, yielding well if planted on their own. Prunus insititia 'Farleigh Damson', also known as 'Farleigh' and 'Farleigh Prolific', is one of the best, especially if pollinated with another variety. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
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Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ and wildlife
Prunus ‘Farleigh damson’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
