Database

Prunus besseyi x salicina ‘Opata’

Fruit: Plum

Upright, spreading canopy on this hardy cherry-plum tree. Clusters of fragrant, white spring blooms cover the tree before green foliage appears; showy, orange-red fall colour. Small, 1″ size fruit with purple-green skin and yellow-green flesh; semi-clingstone. Firm, sweet-tangy flesh with a hint of acidity; good for preserves/jam but mainly used as a pollinator for other plum trees. Mid-season bloomer; ripens in August. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize in spring with a good compost or an all-purpose fertilizer before new growth emerges. For major pruning wait until late winter while tree is dormant; suckers or dead, broken, and diseased branches, can be removed anytime. Prune while young to create open centered branching to allow for even sunlight which results in better ripening of fruit and good air circulation.

Requires cross-pollination with another plum that blooms at the same time (Tecumseh Plum, Western Sand Cherry) or an early-season bloomer (Brookgold, Bounty, Nanking Cherry) or a late-season bloomer (Brookred Plum, Pembina Plum). Same time bloomers are best but early or late-season bloomers may also pollinate mid season bloomers. For best results plant trees no farther than 100′ away from each other.

Available in select potted sizes.