Shropshire Prune is the definitive northern English damson, with a distinctive astringent richness which makes it a versatile fruit for culinary purposes.
The centre of commercial damson production is the Lyth Valley in the Lake District of north west England. Shropshire Prune (or its close relations) is the most widely planted variety in this area. Unlike almost all other fruit trees, damsons, particularly Shropshire Prune, actually like a mild damp climate - making it a good choice for northern and north-western European.
Shropshire Prune is a semi-clingstone fruit - the stone is not easily parted from the flesh.
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Let me know when Shropshire Prune damson trees are back in stock.
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Shropshire Prune produces a typical damson tree - fairly small but upright, with densely packed branches. While normally grown as a bush-tree, the dense branches mean it can also be trained as a productive hedge.
The tree is self-fertile, although cropping will be improved if there is another different damson variety growing nearby.
Like all damsons, Shropshire Prune is very easy to grow. The main factor affecting the crop is the weather in early spring when the tree is in blossom. Rain, wind, or frost at this time can reduce yields - not necessarily through damaging the blossom, but by discouraging insects and preventing pollination. Apart from that there is nothing much to worry about. Pruning is unnecessary (except to remove damaged branches - if so, this should be done only in summer).
Shropshire Prune is an English damson variety, probably originating from the north-west, however its exact origins are not known.
