{"product_id":"plum-opal-espallier-pleached-150cm-wide-180cm-tall-5-tiers","title":"Plum Opal  Espallier Pleached, 150cm Wide, 180cm Tall. 5 Tiers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrunus domestica 'Opal' – The Flavourful and Productive Plum Tree for Every Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a hardy and reliable fruit tree renowned for its sweet, flavourful plums and compact size. This self-fertile variety produces small to medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavour, perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. In spring, \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e dazzles with its delicate pink blossoms, followed by lush green foliage that turns vibrant yellow in autumn. With its manageable size and high yield, it is an ideal choice for smaller gardens or urban orchards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Grow Prunus domestica 'Opal'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelicious, Sweet Fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e – The small to medium-sized plums are aromatic and juicy, with a rich sweetness that makes them perfect for fresh eating, desserts, or jams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAttractive Spring Blossoms\u003c\/strong\u003e – In spring, \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e produces beautiful pale pink flowers that attract pollinators and add a burst of colour to your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVibrant Autumn Colour\u003c\/strong\u003e – In fall, the green foliage turns a warm golden-yellow, providing lovely seasonal interest and enhancing the overall beauty of your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-Fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plum tree to bear fruit, making it perfect for smaller spaces or urban gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardy \u0026amp; Resilient\u003c\/strong\u003e – Known for its resilience, \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e thrives in a range of soils and climates and is particularly well-suited to colder areas, providing a consistent harvest year after year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight of Plant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e typically grows to around 3–4 meters in height and 3 meters in width, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, patio containers, or as part of an orchard or fruiting border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Site Your Prunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis versatile plum tree thrives in various garden settings, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall gardens, where it can serve as both a productive fruit tree and an ornamental feature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUrban or suburban gardens, perfect for confined spaces, including patios, courtyards, or even containers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruit orchards or mixed fruit plantings, providing reliable, sweet plums alongside other fruit varieties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWildlife gardens, as its spring blossoms attract pollinators and its fruit provides food for birds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Care for Your Prunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e – Prefers well-drained, fertile soil, though it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e – Thrives in full sun, where it produces the best fruit and develops a strong structure. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce a lighter crop in those conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e – Regular watering is important, especially during the growing season. Ensure the tree gets enough moisture, particularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e – Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain the tree’s shape and ensures good airflow, while also removing any dead or damaged branches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulching\u003c\/strong\u003e – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots during temperature extremes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePest \u0026amp; Disease Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eOpal Plum\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally resistant to common pests and diseases, but occasional attention to aphids, plum curculio, and mildew may be required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold Hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hardy to around -20°C, making it ideal for cooler climates and ensuring a reliable harvest in temperate regions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Plant Combinations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs beautifully with other fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries, creating a diverse and productive orchard. It also works well in ornamental gardens alongside early-blooming flowers such as primroses or tulips, or late-season plants like asters or chrysanthemums to add contrast to its autumn foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its sweet, juicy plums, beautiful spring blossoms, and vibrant autumn colour, \u003cstrong\u003ePrunus domestica 'Opal'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fantastic addition to any garden. Whether you're growing it for its fruit or its ornamental value, this hardy and productive plum tree provides beauty, flavor, and structure year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaVit Rootstock for even growth and reliable crops.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54110551179590,"sku":"170356","price":420.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/a4510103-88d9-4f75-ad1d-97ae518530ff.jpg?v=1739359656","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/plum-opal-espallier-pleached-150cm-wide-180cm-tall-5-tiers","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}