Plum

This plum tree has been planted in the garden to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. It was planted in February 2022 by staff from the National Records of Scotland and the Court of the Lord Lyon who jointly selected the tree to take part in ‘The Queen's Green Canopy’. This is a UK wide tree planting initiative to mark the 70 years since Her Majesty’s coronation.

Visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth to Register House, 1952
Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland, SRO21/9/8

The blossom of the plum tree has significance in East Asia, symbolising the beauty of a young woman. The five petals of the blossom also represents the five traditional Chinese gods of fortune; Fu, Lu, Shou, Xi and Cai.

The Jubilee Plum was raised in Sweden in the early 21st century and is a hardy tree. It is similar to the Victoria variety but the fruit are larger and more flavoursome. The flesh is yellow and juicy and is excellent eating.