We've named this unknown heirloom family Plum tree after the owner, Walter Gibbons (1918 -2010). The plum tree grew at Walter's house in Edgecumbe. The history of whether it was there on purchase or was planted is uncertain. It was certainly unique – most likely a seedling tree.
Walter gave boxes of these delicious cherry plums to family and friends. Walter’s kids (4) and grandkids (7) loved them – not realising that all plums didn’t actually taste as good as this until they reached adulthood. Many attempts were made over the years to propagate it via cuttings or grafting. Grandson Simon took 100's of cutting before the tree was cut down by developers.
All the cuttings failed except one! From that one cutting, we let it develop enough to be able to take budwood from it for grafting on to Prunus rootstock. These grafting were successful, and this is the second season we've been able to offer the grafted trees.
The plum is a dark skinned, dark fleshed, clingstone. Fruit size cherry plum. The tree comes to bear fruit aprox late Dec to late Jan and once established is very prolific. Self fertile. Fully ripened fruit are like Xmas cherries in appearance, colour and even flavour. Flesh texture is quite dense yet smooth with a rich complex sweet flavour. It is a plum you need a bowl full of.
The tree has been observed to have great natural resistance to spring leaf curl. It is vigorous, strong growing and very prolific flowering in spring.
All Plums thrive in a warm sheltered sunny spot, in organically rich, moisture retentive but good draining soils. They do not like spots exposed to constant strong cold winds, shade, heavy wet poor draining soils, strong coastal conditions.
You are purchasing ONE strong branched specimen grade new season Walter Gibbons Plum tree in p12 bag standing aprox 1.4m tall (winter pruned).
Trees of this grade usually commence fruiting 2-3 years from planting. Annual summer pruning after harvest keeps them down to a height you prefer and to make picking and management of the tree easier (maintaining a height of aprox 2.5m is ideal).
Consider planting in a 30-40lit NZ made Evergrow bag to restrict root growth and have it grow like a dwarf compact tree. See my other listing for more info on Evergrow Bags.
Full cultural/pruning info provided.
Photo #4 : Walter Gibbons in his unique Plum tree, likely preparing to give it a prune
