Prunus domestica Perdrigon - Common plum

Prunus domestica 'Perdrigon' is a variety of plum tree that once thrived in Provence, providing the famous prune plums from Var. This ancient variety with its short flowering period in late March produces small to moderate-sized fruits, which are blue-violet in colour and have relatively thick skin, covering a sweet flesh. They can be eaten fresh, dried (as the famous pistoles), or used in tarts or jams. 

Plum trees are part of the extensive Rosaceae family, which includes most of our temperate fruit trees (such as apple trees, pear trees, apricot trees, peach trees, cherry trees, quince trees) as well as small fruits (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries). The original Prunus domestica is probably native to Asia Minor (Syria) and would have been introduced to Rome, along with many other species, as a result of Roman conquests. According to some authors, its introduction to Europe is more likely due to the Crusades, but who really knows?

'Perdrigon' is a variety of unknown origin, cultivated since at least 1582 (it has been present in the Potager du Roi in Versailles since the 17th century) and has had a somewhat meandering history. Also known as 'Perdrigon Violet', this plum was cultivated, abandoned, and then cultivated again in a series of periods. A major production centre was located in Brignoles in Var, where it produced the famous pistoles, dried fruits that resembled the shape of this ancient currency. Named Pardigouno in Provençal, the Prune of Brignoles eventually disappeared into the depths of history, but for the past twenty years, associations in Var have been working to revive its local production with the aim of obtaining a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

This historic plum tree is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 7m (23ft) in height, with a relatively spreading habit (up to 6m (20ft)). It blooms abundantly but briefly in late March/early April, much to the delight of bees that ensure its pollination. This flowering period is quite sensitive to late frosts, so it is good to shelter this tree from cold winds, for example by planting it near a sun-exposed stone wall. These single flowers with five white petals develop into small to medium-sized fruits (drupe) with an oval shape and a dark blue-violet colour. They are covered with a bloom that helps protect against drying out. They are ready to be harvested in late August and can be eaten fresh, although their skin is quite thick and their yellow flesh is slightly acidic. That's why they were dried to produce Provence prunes. These plums can also be used in desserts, tarts, or jams. In general, plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamin B9, iron, and magnesium; they are also high in fiber and stimulate intestinal transit (everyone knows the effects of dried prunes!). Moreover, they are low in calories and not too rich in carbohydrates (fresh ones, that is, not dried prunes!).

'Perdrigon' grows in deep and rather moist soil, in neutral to limestone terrain. It is susceptible to cold winter winds, although it is hardy down to about -17°C (1.4°F), so it needs a sunny exposure. However, it should be kept in mind that the plum tree needs to experience cold to bear fruit (what is called vernalization, translated into a certain number of essential hours of cold). With cold winters and plenty of sunshine, it's no wonder that Brignoles' contrasting climate has become its adopted land!

'Perdrigon' is a highly productive and biennially bearing variety (meaning it has little variation in production from one year to the next). To obtain good harvests, plant other varieties of plum trees alongside it, as cross-pollination is always beneficial. To fully enjoy the pleasures of summer, plant some vines, such as the 'Chasselas Doré', which will thrive in the same types of soil and climate conditions as 'Perdrigon' and delight you with its clusters of sweet grapes.