Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Plum Tree

Plum Tree is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of mulching around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds in the early stages and paid for it. biennial bearing producing a heavy crop every other year also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in an orchard with mixed varieties for cross-pollination which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. blossom spectacle in spring before any other ornamental value is visible but muted. blossom opening in spring requiring frost protection gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.