Belle de Louvain plums are very large, oval-shaped, and dark red, becoming purple when fully ripe. This is primarily a culinary plum, the flesh is not particularly juicy, but reveals its true flavour when cooked.
The tree is strong and healthy, crops heavily, and is suitable for a wide range of situations.
Belle de Louvain plum identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Belle de Louvain
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 03 May 2020 EAST SUSSEX, United KingdomI adore this plum which makes the finest, darkest jam ever! Always a pleasure to open a jar and spread it on a good slice of white crusty bread.
Tree register
United Kingdom
- Carol Smith-Tavinor in Dorchester, DORSET
- Christopher Davidson in Badrallach, HIGHLANDS
- Claire in LANCASTER, LANCASHIRE
- Sarah.E.Scarlett@Gmail.Com in Auchtermuchty, FIFE
- Simon Pegg in Bellingdon, BUCKS
Spring blossom records for this variety
2012 season
- 15th April 2012 - tree owned by Simon in Bellingdon, United Kingdom
Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.
Origins
- Species: Prunus domestica - European plum
- Originates from: Belgium
- Introduced: 1845
Identification
- Country of origin: Belgium
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Purple
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Under-rated
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Mid
- Keeping (of fruit): 1-3 days
- Flavour quality: Good
- Cropping: Heavy
- Fruit persistence: Normal ripening
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking period: mid-August
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Beginner
- Flowering group: 3
- Pollinating others: Average
- Vigour: Vigorous
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Self-fertility: Partially self-fertile
Climate
- Frost resistance of blossom: Good resistance
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Mild damp climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cold (< 20C / 67F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Belle de Louvain plum trees for sale:
- Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (UK) United Kingdom
Belle de Louvain plum trees
Where to buy fresh fruit
The following orchards grow Belle de Louvain:
United Kingdom
England - midlands
- Walsgrove Farm, Worcester