Autumn 2024Order now for delivery from week commencing 18th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
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King of the Damsons damson trees

Prunus insititia
King of the Damsons fruits
Check pollinators >
King of the Damsons is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Late
  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile

King of the Damsons, also known as Bradley's King, is a large-fruited traditional purple-blue damson which ripens in September.

The flavour is less astringent and slightly milder than other damsons.  The flesh is also fairly dry, which is useful in cooking because it avoids too much liquid getting into the mix.

Unusually amongst damsons, this is a freestone fruit - the stone falls away cleanly from the flesh.

King of the Damsons damson trees for sale

Pot-grown

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

  • PG12-year bush-trained 12L pot-grown tree St. Julien rootstock £60.50
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Please try next season
  • PG2Premium half-standard 12L pot-grown tree St. Julien rootstock £64.50
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)

Bare-root

  • BR11-year bare-root tree St. Julien rootstock £38.75
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • BR22-year bush-trained bare-root tree St. Julien rootstock £47.50
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • BR32-year half-standard bare-root tree St. Julien rootstock £51.00
    Large tree (3m-5m after 10 years)
Need help? Ask our fruit tree experts

Call us on 01759 392007 or fill in our contact form.

Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 18th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

Delivery charges

Delivery for a single tree starts at £9.95, it is calculated based on your postcode.

Growing and Training

King of the Damsons is suitable for most areas of the UK.

History

Bradley's King was introduced by a Mr Bradley of Nottingham in the 1880s. It is often known as the King of the Damsons on account of the large fruit size.


King of the Damsons characteristics

Growing

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
  • Flowering group2
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climates

Using

  • Picking seasonLate
  • CroppingHeavy
  • Keeping (of fruit)1 week
  • Food usesCulinary

Problems

  • Disease resistanceGood

Identification

  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Period of origin1900 - 1949
  • Blossom colourWhite
  • Fruit colourBlue - dark

British-grown trees Trees grown in the UK.

Unlike many garden centres and online retailers, the vast majority of our fruit trees are grown in the UK. Find out more.

In addition, all our trees are certified under the Plant Healthy scheme, supervised by the Plant Health Alliance. Other stakeholders include Defra and the RHS. The scheme aims to improve UK biosecurity by setting standards for all growers and retailers involved in selling plants in the UK. Find out more
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Guaranteed fruit trees

When you buy your fruit tree from Orange Pippin Fruit Trees we guarantee it for the first season in your garden whilst it gets established. If it doesn't grow successfully, we'll either replace it the following season or offer a refund - subject to some conditions. Find out more.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.