Reine Claude European Plum Tree

The Reine Claude European Plum Tree (Prunus subsp. italica 'Reine Claude') is the regal matron of the orchard, renowned for producing Plump, sweet, greenish-yellow Plums so sugary and juicy they practically burst in your mouth. The fruit starts off green, maturing into a golden yellow blush with tender skin and honeyed flesh that melts on the tongue.

This tree's deep roots in culinary and cultural traditions are just as rich as its fruit! This heritage variety, also known as the Green Gage (Greengage), hails from France and has charmed gardeners and gourmands alike since the 16th century.

With its intensely fragrant spring blossoms, lush summer canopy, and midsummer fruiting, the Reine Claude is a feast for all the senses!

Best of all, this tree is often self-fertile but produces heavier crops with a pollinator buddy nearby—such as Stanley or Green Gage Bavay's.

This tree features a rounded to spreading form, reaching about 12–15 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for modest orchards or edible landscapes. The foliage is a soft, rich green and turns golden in the fall. Expect fruit in mid to late summer, depending on your region, and with proper care, harvests can be prolific!

A symbol of refinement and indulgence in French gardens, the Reine Claude is part of the European Plum family and thrives in USDA growing zones 5 through 9. It prefers temperate climates with cold winters to meet its chill hours (usually around 700–800), yet it's surprisingly heat-tolerant, too!

Key Features

• Heritage French Plum variety known for sweet green-gold fruit
• Very fragrant white blossoms in spring
• Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination
• Medium-sized tree perfect for backyards and edible landscapes
• Adaptable and cold-hardy in Zones 5-9
• Great for fresh eating, preserves, and desserts

Landscaping Uses

This rounded fruit tree grows 12–15 feet tall and wide, perfect for an orchard-style planting or as a featured focal point in a smaller home garden.

• Small to medium home orchards
• Edible landscape centerpiece!
• Wildlife-friendly backyard planting
• Fruiting anchor for a cottage garden
• Patio plantings for shade and fruit within arm's reach
• Train into a slim Espalier with other European Plums for privacy and specimen hedges

Care and Maintenance

As a deciduous fruit tree, the Reine Claude French Plum Tree is both cold-hardy and adaptable to a range of garden soils. It prefers moderate summer heat and cold winters to set its best Plum fruit.

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall. Read how to plant yours here!
• Sun Needs: Full sun for best bloom and fruit set
• Soil Needs: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates light clay if not compacted
• Moisture Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture, especially during fruit set
• Arborist Mulch: 3–4 inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilization Needs: Annual application of balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Pruning Info: Prune in late winter to early spring; shape to an open center or modified central leader. Remove dead/diseased wood and suckers.
• Special Perks/Growing Tips:
• Cold-hardy
• Handles humid summers
• Highly productive
• Mostly pest/disease resistant
• Division Info: Not applicable
• Chill Hours: Requires approximately 700–800 chill hours
• Pollination Needs: Self-fertile but sets heavier crops with another European Plum nearby (like 'Stanley' or 'Green Gage')

Green With Envy Over This Royal Plum!

Whether you're Plum-tired of bland fruit or want to add something historically delicious to your garden, the Reine Claude European Plum Tree is a time-tested treasure! With its glowing green-gold Plum fruit and easy-growing habit, it's the orchard queen you didn't know you needed!

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll deliver to your doorstep at the proper planting time for your zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Reine Claude Plum self-fertile?
Yes, it's self-fertile, but yields improve with another European Plum tree nearby.

When does the Reine Claude Plum Tree fruit?
Expect harvest in mid to late summer, depending on your zone and local climate.

How big does a Reine Claude European Plum Tree get?
Typically grows 12–15 feet tall and wide, though pruning can keep it more compact.

What do Reine Claude Plums taste like?
They are famously sweet, with a rich, honey-like flavor and tender flesh.

Can I grow a Reine Claude Plum Tree in a container?
Yes, if grafted onto dwarf rootstock and maintained with proper pruning and watering.

What is the history behind the name Reine Claude?
Named for Queen Claude of France, wife of King Francis I, who adored this Plum's rich flavor.