Prunus simonii Seeds | Simon Plum
LATIN NAME: Prunus simonii
COMMON NAME: Simon Plum
Plant Profile
Prunus simonii, better known as Simon Plum, is a tree in the rose family. The Simon plum apricots small, rounded tree with oval, toothed, green leaves and small, white flowers that open in early spring before leaves, round, dark-red to purple plums with firm, yellow flesh following and ripening through late summer. Fruits hang thickly along branches, and they keep their firm texture. It likes sun, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the rose family regularly include Prunus simonii in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. In the rose family, the Simon plum has a recognised place in studies of hardy stone fruits, and species appears in research on fruit firmness and cold-winter tolerance. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Simon Plum brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In cold garden, the Simon plum apricots branches with firm red fruit. Plums serve fresh eating, preserves and baking, they keep well after picking, and early flowers feed the bees. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny ground and stands cold winters. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
The rose family’s great fruit genus gives plums, cherries, peaches, apricots and almonds, all carotenoid- and polyphenol-rich; in Chinese medicine the kernels and fruits, from Xing Ren for coughs to Yu Li Ren for regularity, are classical herbs, always processed to manage their cyanogenic compounds.
Growing from Seed
Raising Simon Plum from seed is straightforward. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Simon Plum earns its space through character rather than fuss. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Simon Plum often pair it with these related subjects: