Semi Dwarf Plum Tree – ‘Altesse Simple’

Fruit Type: Plum
Botanical Name: Prunus domestica ‘Altesse Simple’
Fruit Colour: Violet-blue to dark purple
Growth Habit: Semi dwarf deciduous fruit tree grafted onto slow-growing rootstock
Final Height: Approx. 4–5 m
Expected Yield: Approx. 20–40 kg per season once mature
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Altesse Simple’ is a traditional European plum variety valued for its reliable fruiting, winter hardiness, and versatile culinary qualities. It has long been grown in temperate gardens and orchards where dependable harvests and classic plum flavour are appreciated.

This variety produces elongated plums in shades of violet-blue to dark purple with smooth skin and firm greenish-yellow flesh. The flavour combines pleasant sweetness with a gentle tartness. The fruit is suitable for fresh eating as well as desserts, compotes, sauces, drying, and preserves. Harvest typically takes place from late summer into early autumn, often from late August through September depending on seasonal warmth and local growing conditions.

This plum grows as a semi dwarf fruit tree, remaining more manageable than traditional full-sized orchard plums while still producing generous yields. The controlled size is achieved through grafting onto a slow-growing rootstock, a method widely used in professional orchards to regulate tree height and support reliable fruit production.

In spring the tree produces abundant white blossoms that attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to good fruit set and supporting garden biodiversity.

‘Altesse Simple’ is self-fertile and capable of producing fruit without another plum tree nearby, although planting additional plum varieties can sometimes improve overall yield.

Plums thrive in sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered location supports healthy growth and proper fruit development.

We select our fruit trees with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for reliable outdoor cultivation in our climate.

With proper care and placement, ‘Altesse Simple’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of richly coloured plums.

All trees are sold and delivered as 1-2 year old trees, similar to those supplied to commercial orchards, in jute bags filled with rich Dutch soil, depending on availability and variety.