p>Even if you’ve grown apples, pears, or cherries before… it’s time to make room for plum. The great staple of the British garden and orchard should be next on your list. Or, if you've never grown fruit before, there is no better tree to start with than a wonderful traditional British Victoria plum.

If you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of fruit trees—maybe you’ve got a reliable old apple tree or a pear that delivers a decent crop each year—you might think you’ve got your home orchard covered. But there’s one tree that deserves a spot in every garden, especially if you’re looking for a bumper harvest, attract more pollinators, and enjoy fruit that’s as delicious eaten fresh as it is stewed into crumbles or jam.

I’m talking, of course, about the Victoria plum—a classic, much-loved variety that continues to be one of the best-selling fruit trees in the UK. And before you dismiss that as hyperbole - I know how many Victoria plums leave our Norfolk nursery every day. But it's no surprise.

Whether you're working with a generous patch of land or a modest back garden, here are ten compelling reasons why experienced (and curious!) gardeners should consider making space for your very own plum tree.

1. It’s Self-Fertile – No Pollination Partner Needed

Let’s start with a big win: the Victoria plum is self-fertile, which means it doesn’t need another plum tree nearby to produce fruit. That’s a huge plus if you’re short on space, just want to plant one standalone tree, or you’re a little bit nervous about starting out in producing your own fruit and want the easiest possible start. Many other fruit trees rely on cross-pollination, but this one happily gets on with the job solo. Less fuss, more fruit. Win, win.

2. Sweet, Juicy Fruit

There’s a reason the Victoria plum has stuck around since the 19th century—it tastes fantastic. The fruit has golden flesh with a lovely balance of sweetness and sharpness, and that signature reddish-purple mottled skin. It’s the kind of plum that’s delicious straight from the tree, but you can do so much with your plums. Pies and cakes a plenty, sauces, chutneys, and even homemade gin.

3. Generous Crops, Year After Year

Once established, a Victoria plum tree will reward you with huge harvests every summer—especially if you spend a little time on basic maintenance such as thinning out the branches every autumn. The Victoria plum is known for being a heavy cropper, so much so that in some years you may need to thin the fruit a little to stop the branches getting overloaded. A good problem to have, right?

4. Perfect for Small Gardens (or Big Ambitions)

You don’t need an orchard to grow a Victoria plum. These trees can be grown in the ground or in large containers, and they respond well to training. Think espaliered along a sunny wall or kept compact with annual pruning. Choose the right rootstock (we offer trees on semi-dwarfing stock) and you can enjoy a manageable tree that still gives you plenty of fruit.

View our Victoria Plum trees here

5. Late-Summer Harvest

If you’ve already got early fruiting varieties in your garden, the Victoria plum is a smart addition. It typically ripens in August or early September, letting you enjoy homegrown fruit into late summer—long after the strawberries have gone and the cherries are a distant memory. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your growing season and keep the harvest (and home baking) going.

6. An English Heritage Favourite (for a Reason)

Named after Queen Victoria and first introduced in the mid-1800s, this plum is steeped in English gardening tradition. It’s a proven performer for UK condition. Importantly it's hardy, reliable, and tolerant of our unpredictable weather. If you want a fruit tree with heritage, flavour, and good old-fashioned dependability, this is it.

7. Beautiful Blossom in Early Spring

Even before the fruit appears, Victoria plum trees look wonderful in the garden with clouds of white-pink blossom in spring. The early flowers are not just attractive—they're also an important early food source for pollinators like bees, making your garden more wildlife-friendly from the get-go.

8. Disease Resistance with Minimal Fuss

No fruit tree is completely immune to pests or diseases, but the Victoria plum is a relatively low-maintenance variety. With good airflow (don’t crowd it), sensible pruning, and attention to watering during dry spells, it generally stays healthy. It’s not overly prone to issues like scab or mildew, and it bounces back well from pruning.

9. Versatile in the Kitchen

Whether you’re a jam-maker, a crumbles-for-breakfast enthusiast, or just like to freeze fruit for later use, the Victoria plum is a winner. The fruit stores well, freezes brilliantly, and holds its shape when cooked. You (or your better half) can make chutneys, pies, wine, juice—you name it. One tree opens up a world of possibilities.

10. Great for Training, Shaping, and Showing Off

Got a sunny fence or wall? You can train a Victoria plum into an espalier or fan shape with a little annual pruning. It’s a brilliant way to grow fruit in smaller spaces while adding a bit of structure and interest to the garden. Plus, it just looks great—especially when covered in blossom or dripping with fruit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already growing fruit trees, adding a Victoria plum is a no-brainer. It’s productive, versatile, and easy to grow, and it offers something a little different to apples and pears—both in terms of flavour and seasonal timing. And if you’re new to fruit trees? You could do a lot worse than starting with this tried-and-true classic.

We offer nursery-grown Victoria plum trees delivered straight to your door, grown right here in the UK and packaged with care.

Explore our plum tree range here

Your future crumbles will thank you.