Convoy Cherry Plum

Convoy Cherry-Plum Care Guide

Overview:
Convoy Cherry-Plum is a hardy hybrid (a cross between cherry and plum lineages) that produces small, red-skinned, yellow-fleshed fruit. Its compact, early-ripening, and well-suited for northern climates and smaller gardens.

1. Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zones: Zone 2b (cold-tolerant)

• Mature Size: ~ 6-8 ft tall 6-8 ft wide (some sources list up to 10 ft 6 ft)

• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub or small tree form

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal. It requires plenty of light to set good crops.

• Soil:
  Well-drained soil is essential it does not tolerate standing water.
  Prefers average fertility; avoid heavy clay that retains moisture.

• Site & Protection:
  A sheltered location (out of strong wind) is beneficial to protect blossoms and fruit set.
  Avoid frost-prone low spots since blossoms open relatively early in the season.

2. Blossoms & Fruit

• Flowering: Occurs in mid-May (white showy flowers)

• Fruit:
  Small (23 cm) cherry-plum fruit with red skin and yellow flesh
  Ripens early to mid-August
  Fruit is juicy and sweet; good for fresh eating, jams, preserves
  Storage life is short best used soon after harvest

3. Pollination & Fruit Set

• Cross-Pollination Required: It does not reliably fruit on its own; needs a compatible plum or cherry-plum variety nearby for cross-pollination.

• Pollinator Proximity: Pollinators should be planted relatively close (within ~200 ft or closer) for best fruit set.

4. Watering & Establishment

• First Years: Keep soil consistently moist (but not soggy) to help roots establish

• After Establishment: Drought tolerant to a degree; water during dry spells to maintain fruit quality

• Mulching: A 23 in mulch ring around the base (keeping away from the trunk) helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature

5. Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring

• Do not overdo nitrogen excess vegetative growth can reduce fruiting and increase disease risk

6. Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before bud break

• Pruning Practices:
  Remove dead, diseased, weak or crossing branches
  Thin interior branches to allow light and air penetration
  Control suckers from the base
  Avoid heavy pruning late in the season; prune after harvest for minor shaping

7. Pests & Diseases

• Susceptible to standard plum/cherry tree pests and diseases (e.g. bacterial canker, black knot, brown rot, aphids)

• Preventive strategies: good airflow, proper pruning, sanitation (clean up fallen fruit, debris), monitoring early signs

• Avoid overhead watering and maintain healthy vigor to resist infections

8. Winter & Cold Protection

• Very cold-hardy (Zone 2 compatibility) seldom needs special winter care

• In exposed or young plantings: use mulch over root zones, and consider protective wrapping if needed

9. Harvest & Use

• Pick fruit when deep red and fully ripe gentle twist to remove

• Use promptly fresh eating, preserves, jam, or canning

• Because storage is limited, plan to use or process fruit soon after picking

10. Landscape Uses

Compact fruiting shrub or small tree for gardens with limited space
Great for fruit hedges, mixed edible landscapes, or fruit forests
Works as an ornamental with spring flowers and fall color
Attracts pollinators and birds with its flowers and fruit

Photo from Falk Nurseries