Greengage ‘Reine Claude d’althan’

‘Reine Claude d’Althan’ is a proper old variety, descended from the classic Reine Claude greengages but with a distinctive purple-red skin rather than the usual green-yellow. Fruits ripen in late August, large and juicy with sweet, rich-flavoured golden flesh.

Trees are vigorous and productive, forming a spreading crown. Partially self-fertile, so it will set a crop on its own, though a compatible pollination partner improves yields.

Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Prune in midsummer only to avoid silver leaf, taking out any crossing or diseased wood.

A lovely traditional fruit tree for a kitchen garden or a sunny corner where you’d like a heavy crop of eating-quality gages in late summer.