Looking to add some sweet, aromatic flair to your backyard? These popular Mirabelle plum varieties are absolute rockstars in the garden. Not only do they produce a bounty of fruit perfect for everything from fresh snacking to homemade preserves, but they’re also surprisingly easy to grow. Here’s the lowdown on what makes each of these varieties special.
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++Bellamira (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Bellamira”)
If you’re looking for a “tough as nails” tree, the Bellamira is your best bet. This variety is incredibly hardy and boasts great resistance to common headaches like the Sharka virus and Monilia (brown rot). After a gorgeous spring bloom, it rewards you with a delicious late-summer harvest from August through September. The fruits are a stunning golden yellow with juicy flesh that’s perfect for more than just jam—try them fresh right off the branch!
++Von Pillnitz (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Von Pillnitz”)
The “Von Pillnitz” is famous for its heavy yields. You can expect to fill your baskets between August and September. If you give this tree a nice sunny spot, those yellow plums will pack in the natural sugars, making them exceptionally sweet and aromatic. Another huge plus? It doesn’t grow too tall, making it a fantastic choice for folks with smaller suburban gardens.
++Aprimira (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Aprimira”)
Want something a little more “boutique” for your orchard? Check out the Aprimira. This is actually an “apricot-mirabelle” hybrid, offering a uniquely sweet flavor profile. When grown in the right conditions, you’ll definitely notice those subtle apricot notes. Just a heads-up: this variety isn’t a loner—you’ll need a second plum tree nearby to act as a pollinator to get that fruit set.
++Nancy (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Nancy”)
The “Nancy” Mirabelle is a classic for a reason. While the individual fruits are on the smaller side, the tree makes up for it with sheer volume—it gets absolutely loaded! The plums are yellow with a lovely reddish blush on the side that faces the sun. It’s resistant to the Sharka virus, which is a huge relief for many growers. Just make sure to give this one plenty of elbow room in your garden so it can reach its full potential by harvest time in mid-August.
++Miragrande (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Miragrande”)
If you’re the impatient type (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!), the Miragrande is a newer cultivar that often starts fruiting just two years after planting. You won’t have to wait nearly as long for your first harvest compared to older varieties. Plus, the fruits are quite large and juicy. Expect them to ripen right on schedule during August and September.
++Bergthold (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Bergthold”)
Bergthold is a wonderful heirloom variety that has stood the test of time. It’s very hardy against Sharka disease and is one of the earliest to ripen—you could be picking golden-yellow plums as early as late July. The flesh is soft, sweet, and carries that quintessential Mirabelle flavor. Fun fact: because of its high sugar content and aroma, this one is a favorite for making traditional fruit brandies.
++Metzer (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca “Metzer”)
The Metzer variety is the “Goldilocks” of Mirabelles—it doesn’t grow too big or too small, it’s just right. With proper care, it delivers a massive harvest of relatively large fruits. You’ll likely smell them before you see them; they have a fantastic fragrance that fills the air. The taste definitely lives up to the scent! Best of all, you can start harvesting these beauties as early as July.