The Botanical Diary
P
Fruit trees

Plum 'Olena'

Prunus domestica 'Olena'

One of the hardiest yellow plum varieties for central and northern Ukraine.

Regions
all regions
Colour
White
Plum 'Olena'
🌸
Bloom
April–May
☀️
Light
Full sun
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
3–5 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4а

Plum 'Olena' is one of the most beloved varieties among gardeners in Central and Northern Ukraine, having been cultivated for several decades. This fruit crop belongs to the group of domestic plums and is renowned for its reliability and productive yields even in harsh continental climates. White flowers appear in April–May, adorning the branches like snow, and subsequently produce wonderful golden, sweet fruits ready for harvest in July–August.

The tree reaches a height of 3–5 metres and possesses a neat, naturally balanced form. 'Olena' favours sunny locations and adapts well to loamy soils, though it is not fussy about soil composition whatsoever. It is truly one of the most cold-hardy yellow plum varieties in Ukraine—which is why it can be found in gardens from Polissya to the steppe zone. The plant is undemanding in everyday care and does not require constant attention from an experienced gardener.

In the garden, 'Olena' coexists harmoniously with apple, cherry, and cherry plum trees, creating a delightful composition of spring blossom. The fruits are suitable both for fresh consumption and for preserving—homemade jam from this plum turns out intensely sweet with a delicate aroma. If you are seeking a reliable assistant for your fruit garden that will withstand frosts and provide a harvest year after year, 'Olena' is your choice. This is a plant that works for you, not the other way around.

Location & soil

Plum 'Olena' — planting & location

LightFull sun
Soil typeСуглинок, рН 6–7
Planting timeOctober або April
Plant spacing3–4 m
Planting depthAt root collar level

Winter-hardy frost-resistant variety with yellow sweet fruits.

Water needs

How to water Plum 'Olena'

IntensityModerate
FrequencyJune–August
Volume15–20
MethodПід крону

Regular watering.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Plum 'Olena'

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (April).
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required.
Autumn fertilizingSuperphosphate (August).
Pruning timeFebruary–March
Pruning typeSanitary + формуюча

Thin the canopy.

Cold hardiness

Plum 'Olena' — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4а
Winter coverWhitewash the trunk.
Cover timingOctober
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Plum 'Olena'

Diseases
Brown rot
Pests
Сливова плодожерка
Garden design

What grows well with Plum 'Olena'?

Apple, Sour cherry, аличa