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Shepherd's bullace - fan? Espalier?

lauzeebelllauzeebell Posts: 8
in Tools and techniques
When my parents downsized from their Suffolk home of 40 years, my brother collected some seed from a bullace in their hedge. He shared these out and mine grew. I realise that these can grow enormous but I wondered whether anyone could advise as to how to prune or train it. It has about 2 years of growth with two main trunks, less than a metre and I fear I may be a bit late but could I fan it? Any tips. No experience. Laura

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I lived in rural Suffolk for most of my life before being transplanted to Norfolk ... I love Shepherds Bullaces  <3

    Have a look here and see if it helps https://www.keepers-nursery.co.uk/fruit-trees/damson-cherryplum-bullace/bullace 

    As yours isn't grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock I'm not sure about fan training ...  I certainly wouldn't try to espalier it ... but do you have room for a half standard tree?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • lauzeebelllauzeebell Posts: 8
    Ok nice. Well half standard would have to do. I'd like to keep it in a pot if it won't kill it as my garden isn't terribly big so that and pruning will have to do. I guess now would be alright for pruning but where to cut? I'm a super novice.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    This might be helpful https://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/fruitarticles/plums/prune-care.php 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • lauzeebelllauzeebell Posts: 8
    Sounds like excellent advice and the right month also. Thank you Dovefromabove.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I hope you get lots of bullaces from it ... will you make bullace wine ... or pies .... or jam?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • lauzeebelllauzeebell Posts: 8
    If I get a healthy tree, I'll be happy for the birds to have them. We'll see!
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