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Damson Merryweather Damson

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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more

Product Description

MERRYWEATHER DAMSON

Characteristics

Merryweather damson is a dual purpose freestone damson. Its fruits are nearly as large as a plum with blue black skin and juicy slightly acidic yellow flesh.  It has small white blossom in April. Pick in September when it is perfect for culinary use for making pies and jams .  If left to hang on the tree will sweeten and will delicious when eaten fresh.

Merryweather damson was introduced by Merryweather Nurseries’ from Nottingham in 1907.  It is easy to grow and is self-fertile meaning another damson in the same area is not required to aid in its pollination.

Pruning of Plums and Cherries
Due to the risk of silver leaf in plums and cherries always prune in early spring to mid-summer.  Never in the winter like apples and pears

Did you know?

Damsons were first found to have been cultivated in the ancient city of Damascus.  They were introduced into England by the Romans.

Damson is often used to describe red wines with a rich acidic plummy flavour.

 

Features

Mature Height

Very Small up to 5 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Open
Spreading

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

All soil types

Sun Levels

Full sun

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Easy

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Yellow

Leaf Colour

Green

Foliage

Early to Leaf
Small leaves

Flower Colour

White

Flowering Type

Single

Flowering Month

April

Berries / Fruit Colour

Purple

Uses

Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
City/Urban Sites
Country/Farmland
Bird Food
Bee Friendly
Edible Fruit/Nuts

Season

Autumn
Spring

Fruiting Period

September

Fruit Attributes

Dual purpose
Good Cropper

Fruit Pollination Type

Self Fertile

Fruit Colour

Purple

Fruit Size

Small

Aftercare

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs are the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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