[Living in Hope]

I was planning to plant an Opal Plum tree, but it has been suggested it may be a bit cold where I am in the Peak District - does anyone have any experience of Opals in colder spots?

[sunshineband]

They do better in the softer south, I believe 

[Yorkie]

No, but a decent northern fruit nursery is R V Rogers of Pickering and they would be able to advise categorically.

I note the variety was originally bred in Sweden but don't know about its hardiness here.

Their info about Opal Plum can be found here.

[solway cropper]

I have one growing here in windy north-west Cumbria. It's three years old and this year gave me three plums. Problem is some storms in May stripped it of blossom. If you can give it some shelter it should be OK. As Yorkie says, a specialist nurseryman should be able to give you the bets advice and R.V. Rogers have an excellent website

[compostqueen]

There's a fruit grower in Sheffield, providing the exact varieties for our area   

http://appletrees.org.uk  (he does sell other fruit too )

I've only got a culinary plum (Czar) which grows well for me but I'm after an eater so I'm on the look out for one too

[Living in Hope]

Thanks, I've decided to risk an Opal, I'm keen to have a plum I can eat straight off the tree.

For info this is the last year that appletrees are selling fruit trees, with all the stock being shifted by Christmas.

[Yorkie]

Just a thought if you have only 1 tree - will it get pollinated / is it self-fertile?

[Living in Hope]

Yes, they are self-fertile - that bit at least is easy!