Fruit tree comparisons
 Kirke's Blue |  Malling Elizabeth | Ornamental cherry trees Chocolate Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| An old-fashioned blue plum with a rich sweet flavour. | This new plum variety was released to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee. | Named after the copper-brown colour of the young leaves which contrast with the large white flowers. | |
| remove | remove | remove |
Growing
| Plum trees Kirke's Blue | Plum trees Malling Elizabeth | Ornamental cherry trees Chocolate Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardening skill | Average | Beginner | Average |
| Self-fertility | Not self-fertile | Partially self-fertile | |
| Flowering group | 3 | 2 | |
| Pollinating others | Average | Average | |
| Climate suitability | Temperate climates Warm climates | Temperate climates |
Using
| Plum trees Kirke's Blue | Plum trees Malling Elizabeth | Ornamental cherry trees Chocolate Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picking season | Mid | Early | |
| Keeping (of fruit) | Does not keep | 1-3 days | |
| Cropping | Light | Heavy | |
| Food uses | Eating fresh Drying | Eating fresh |
Problems
| Plum trees Kirke's Blue | Plum trees Malling Elizabeth | Ornamental cherry trees Chocolate Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disease resistance | Good |
Identification
| Plum trees Kirke's Blue | Plum trees Malling Elizabeth | Ornamental cherry trees Chocolate Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Period of origin | 1800 - 1849 | 2000 | 1950 - 1999 |
| Flowering month | April | ||
| Blossom colour | White | White | White |
| Fruit colour | Purple - light | Purple - light | |
| Flesh colour | Golden / Yellow | ||
| Awards | RHS AGM (current) |