Troubleshooting
Plum 'Victoria' problems — and how to fix them
Plum 'Victoria' (Prunus domestica 'Victoria') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Silver leaf
A fungal disease giving a silvery sheen to leaves and dieback, entering through wounds. Prune only in summer when spore levels are low and risk of infection is least, and remove dead wood promptly.
Brown rot
Fruit develops soft brown patches with rings of buff pustules and rots on the tree. Remove infected and mummified fruit promptly and avoid wounding the skins.
Over-cropping and biennial bearing
Victoria sets too heavily, breaking branches and bearing biennially. Thin fruitlets to about one every 5-8 cm in early summer and support laden limbs.
Aphids
Leaf-curling aphids distort new growth and excrete sticky honeydew. Tolerate light infestations for natural predators or wash off and encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Prevent plum 'victoria' problems before they start
Most plum 'victoria' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for plum 'victoria' in general rather than its problems? Read the full plum 'victoria' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Plum 'Victoria' problems — FAQ
Why is my plum 'victoria' silver leaf?
A fungal disease giving a silvery sheen to leaves and dieback, entering through wounds. Prune only in summer when spore levels are low and risk of infection is least, and remove dead wood promptly.
Why is my plum 'victoria' brown rot?
Fruit develops soft brown patches with rings of buff pustules and rots on the tree. Remove infected and mummified fruit promptly and avoid wounding the skins.
Why is my plum 'victoria' over-cropping and biennial bearing?
Victoria sets too heavily, breaking branches and bearing biennially. Thin fruitlets to about one every 5-8 cm in early summer and support laden limbs.
Why is my plum 'victoria' aphids?
Leaf-curling aphids distort new growth and excrete sticky honeydew. Tolerate light infestations for natural predators or wash off and encourage ladybirds and lacewings.