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-bearing plant belongs to the domesticated plum group and is renowned for its reliability and consistent yield even in harsh continental climates. White blossoms appear in April and May, adorning the branches like snow, before producing wonderful yellow, sweet fruits ready for harvest in July and 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 quite unfussy about soil composition. It is genuinely one of the hardiest yellow plum varieties found throughout Ukraine—which is why it can be encountered in gardens from Polissya to the steppe zone. The plant is undemanding in everyday care and does not require the constant attention of an experienced gardener.

In the garden, 'Olena' harmoniously coexists with apple trees, cherries, and cherry plums, creating a delightful spring blossom display. The fruits are suitable both for fresh consumption and preserving—homemade jam from this plum turns out intensely sweet, with a subtle aroma. If you are seeking a reliable assistant for your fruit garden that will withstand frost and deliver 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