Description

Full sun, Zone 2

Prunus bess. x p. salicina ‘Opata’

Pot size: #5, #7

The fruit of the Opata cherry-plum resembles a plum far more than it does a cherry, but is smaller than most plums. It measures 3 cm in diameter on average, with an attractive red/green exterior and yellowish-green flesh. The flesh is freestone and its texture is firm, but juicy. Its flavour is very pleasant and sweet, with only a hint of acidity. Overall, Opata is generally considered one of the best-tasting of existing cherry-plum varieties: it makes a great dessert out of the hand and is decent for preserves. The fruit is ready for harvest in mid to late August, and like most stone fruits, does not store for very long.

8′ tall by 7′ wide at maturity

Requires a black plum (Canadian or American) or another cherry-plum (Manor, Sapalta, Green Elf, Compass, Coutt’s #3, etc.) for cross-pollination. May pollinate with Western Sand Cherries.