Plum domestica ‘Reine Claude d’Oullins’ Heavy Half Standard 12/14cm

Prunus domestica ‘Reine Claude d’Oullins’ – Golden Gage Plums with Classic French Flavor

Prunus domestica ‘Reine Claude d’Oullins’ is a celebrated old French gage plum, admired for its large golden-yellow fruit, rich sweetness, and reliable cropping. Often regarded as one of the finest Reine Claude (Greengage-type) plums, this variety combines exceptional eating quality with ornamental appeal, making it a favorite for traditional orchards and home gardens alike.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Spring:
In early to mid-spring, the tree is covered in masses of small white blossoms. These flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, creating a fresh, elegant display and ensuring good fruit set.

Summer:
The developing plums gradually swell and ripen from green to a warm golden-yellow. By late summer, the fruit is ready for harvest—large, round, and lightly flushed in sunny positions, with a delicate bloom on the skin.

Autumn:
After picking, the foliage softens to yellow tones before leaf fall, adding a gentle autumnal highlight to the garden.

Winter:
During dormancy, the tree’s open, well-balanced structure remains attractive and easy to maintain through winter pruning.

Structure & Form

• Typically grows to 3.5–4.5 meters in height and spread, depending on rootstock.

• Forms an upright to spreading crown with strong, well-spaced branches.

• Suitable for bush, pyramid, or fan training, especially against a warm, sunny wall.

• Well suited to both formal orchards and informal garden settings.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

• Home Orchards: A classic choice for high-quality dessert and culinary plums.

• Cottage & Traditional Gardens: Heritage character fits beautifully into informal designs.

• Walls & Espaliers: Performs particularly well when fan-trained in sheltered locations.

• Mixed Fruit Gardens: Complements apples, pears, and cherries for varied harvests.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Position: Full sun for maximum sweetness and fruit quality.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged ground.

• Hardiness: Hardy and well adapted to temperate climates.

• Pollination: Self-fertile, though yields improve with a nearby plum pollinator.

• Maintenance: Summer pruning is recommended to reduce disease risk. Thin fruit in heavy years to improve size and prevent branch breakage.

Why Choose Prunus domestica ‘Reine Claude d’Oullins’?

• Large Golden Fruit: Bigger than many gage plums, with beautiful color.

• Rich, Sweet Flavor: Exceptional dessert quality with classic Reine Claude taste.

• Reliable Cropping: Known for consistent and generous harvests.

• Dual Purpose: Excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and baking.

• Heritage Variety: A time-honored French plum with enduring popularity.

Perfect Plant Combinations

• Other Plums: Pair with varieties like ‘Victoria’ or ‘Opal’ to extend the plum season.

• Underplanting: Spring bulbs such as snowdrops or crocuses for early interest.

• Fruit Trees: Combine with apples or pears for a traditional orchard mix.

• Pollinator Plants: Lavender, thyme, or wildflowers nearby to attract bees.

Prunus domestica ‘Reine Claude d’Oullins’ is a refined and generous plum, offering golden fruit, superb flavor, and dependable performance. For gardeners who appreciate heritage varieties with true culinary excellence, this elegant Reine Claude plum is a standout choice year after year.