Cherry plum Lama: description and characteristics of the variety with red leaves

Cherry plum Lama: the history of breeding and characteristics of the variety with unique red leaves. Appearance and features of fruiting. Pros and cons - all this information will be presented in this article, which was specially prepared for both professional and novice gardeners.

Cherry plum Lama: photo of the variety

Cherry plum Lama: description of the variety and characteristics

The history of the cherry plum Lama variety began specifically in Russia in the middle of the 20th century. The breeders sought to obtain a frost-hardy strong plant that will also withstand attacks from pests. In addition, they wanted this variety of cherry plum to be cultivated not only in the middle lane, but even in the northern regions, where a harsh, cruel climate is noted.

Cherry plum Lama has unusual red-colored leaves. Also among the people and among gardeners, it is best known as the Russian plum. The hybrid meets all the necessary identified criteria, and also looks quite attractive, which influenced the fact that the variety has become very popular among a large number of gardeners and gardeners. It is worth noting that the Lama variety is widespread not only in the middle zone of our country: it is very often grown in the Far Eastern part, since this variety is quite loyal to unstable weather conditions.

Cherry plum Lama: photo of the variety

Red-leaved cherry plum Lama is a low-growing variety of cherry plum: the height of one bush can hardly reach two meters, the average height is usually 1 meter 30 centimeters. But this is more an advantage than a disadvantage: such a short stature greatly facilitates the care of the plant, and also simplifies the harvesting process in the coming period. The crown of the Russian plum cherry plum Lama is flat-round, prone to thickening. Therefore, gardeners are advised to periodically prune and give the crown a special shape. The bark of the tree is brown, sometimes with a reddish tint; in adult plants it becomes darker and darker, it may rough a little.

Due to its rather unusual appearance and color of the leaves, cherry plum is often used for decorative purposes, especially in landscape design. In autumn, the leaves change from a characteristic red hue to yellow. Cherry plum Lama blooms around the end of April, sometimes flowering continues until early May. The flowers are pale pink in color, up to four centimeters in diameter. Flowering forms on annual shoots, abundant and lush. Therefore, during this period, the tree looks very beautiful, sophisticated and attractive. Some other varieties of cherry plum can be used as pollinators for Lama cherry plum. For example, Vitba, Mara and others, it all depends solely on the preferences of the gardener himself in this matter.

As for the harvest, it usually ripens around mid-August, so this variety is classified as late. On average, one fruit can weigh about 30 grams, when fully ripe, the skin turns purple, or burgundy with gray dots. The plaque on the fruits is waxy, easily washed off with water. In early September, the fruits sometimes turn almost black, and gardeners should remember that this is only a feature of the variety and not a disease at all. The pulp of the fruit is fibrous, juicy, dark in color. The taste is sweet and pleasant, has a sourness and an almond aftertaste. The aroma is pleasant, also slightly almonds.Fruits contain a large amount of nutrients and organic acids, as well as iron and potassium, pectins, which is extremely beneficial for humans and their health.

Since the plum variety Lama cherry plum is prone to shedding, you should harvest the fruits even before they finally ripen. In this state, they can be transported over long distances, since the Lama cherry plum is very loyal to transportation. Basically, the fruits are used to make marmalade or jam, marshmallows and other sweets, which are very popular not only for children, but also for adults. You can use cherry plum to make homemade wine, it will have an attractive and slightly specific taste.

Cherry plum Lama: reviews of the variety

We have selected for you the best gardeners' reviews about cherry lama:

• Ivan, 39 years old, Minsk "The cherry plum variety Lama is very hardy - in winter it can easily endure temperatures as low as -35 degrees. If we are talking about kidneys, or even ovaries, then they quite calmly tolerate cold snaps up to -7 degrees. At the same time, on the other hand, the tree is also resistant to heat - up to +40 degrees, these temperatures will not harm the plant in any way "
• Ekaterina Petrovna, 62 years old, Yekaterinburg “The cherry plum variety Lama turned out to be very resistant to pests, as well as to infectious diseases, which are quite common among fruit and berry plants. "
• Natalya Ivanovna, 59 years old, Kirovgrad “My red-leaved cherry plum Lama begins to bear fruit approximately in the second or third year after the seedling was moved to the open ground. In the early years, the yield of the plum cherry plum Lama is relatively low - about 40 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one bush. But every year, with proper care, it begins to increase, and at 10 years old a tree can produce about 300 kilograms of high-quality, tasty fruits in just one season. "

Cherry plum Lama: photo of the variety

Disadvantages of the Lama variety and care measures

It is worth noting that the Lama cherry plum tree is quite compact, easy to care for and easy to harvest. The plastic crown lends itself very well to pruning and shaping, which also plays into the hands of the gardener. The unusual appearance and attractiveness of the plant makes cherry plum an adornment for any garden, the tree can combine fruiting and decorativeness, and these are great advantages.

At the same time, it is also worth paying attention to some of the disadvantages of this hybrid. The crown is prone to excessive and excessive thickening, so every year the gardener should take time to carry out shaping crown pruning. In order for this variety to form ovaries, it is necessary to plant pollinators nearby for the cherry plum Lama. According to gardeners' reviews of cherry plum Lama, self-pollination is in principle possible, but the yield is significantly reduced.

It is also worth noting that the fruits of the red-leaved cherry plum Lama are formed on thinner shoots, so they can break under their weight. Therefore, it is extremely important to control this process, to normalize the ovaries, or, alternatively, to install separate supports for the branches so that they are not damaged. Also, ripe fruits can crumble very quickly, so it is usually recommended to pick them a little earlier than full ripening has occurred.

Of course, the care includes the formation of the crown, watering, feeding, protection from pests and diseases, because, despite the resistance to them, the cherry plum Lama can still get sick, which negatively affects its condition.