Survive and Flourish (Part 2): Introducing Hybrid Plums 'Mara', 'Rannyaya Krupnaya', and the Red-Leaved 'Spīdola'

03 May

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Survive and Flourish (Part 2): Introducing Hybrid Plums 'Mara', 'Rannyaya Krupnaya', and the Red-Leaved 'Spīdola'

In the first part of our guide to northern plums, we introduced varieties that define extreme resilience and productivity. However, our journey through the frosty orchards of Eastern Europe and the Baltics does not end there. Hybrid (Siberian/Russian) plums are so diverse that they can satisfy demands for an early summer harvest, late autumn processing, and even high ornamental value in the garden.

In this second installment, we present three more gems that we plan to sell in spring/autumn 2026: the Belarusian autumn staple 'Mara', the large-fruited Russian 'Rannyaya Krupnaya' with a peach aroma, and the Latvian red-leaved specialty 'Spīdola'.

“Hybrid plums (crosses of cherry plum and Chinese/Ussurian plum) never cease to surprise. While 'Mara' guarantees a harvest as late as September, 'Spīdola' transforms an orchard into an ornamental park thanks to its blood-red leaves and pink flowers.”

1. 'Mara' (Мара): Autumn Certainty from Belarus

The 'Mara' variety is a masterpiece of the Belarusian Research Institute for Fruit Growing (registered in 1999). It is a seedling from the open pollination of the cross Prunus cerasifera × Prunus salicina var. ussuriensis. It is made for those looking for a later harvest and absolute resistance to fungal diseases.

Reliability in September

While most hybrid plums ripen in summer, 'Mara' ripens late, not until September. The tree grows strongly and quickly (up to 3–4 m). It enters bearing extremely early (already in the 2nd or 3rd year after planting) and is capable of producing yields of up to 35 tons per hectare.

Yellow Juiciness

The fruits are medium-sized (23 – 25 g), round, and bright yellow. The flesh is yellow, loose, extremely juicy with a pleasant sweet-sour taste (4.0/5). The disadvantage is that the stone clings to the flesh. The variety is highly frost-hardy and requires a pollinator (another hybrid plum).

2. 'Rannyaya Krupnaya' (Ранняя Крупная): Early with a Peach Aroma

This Russian variety is a great alternative or addition to the well-known 'Kubanskaya Kometa', with which it ripens around the same time (early August).

A Touch of Peach

The name translates to "Early Large" and the fruits do it justice. They are large (35 – 40 g), beautifully orange-yellow to red-yellow. The flesh is firm and juicy. However, what sets it apart from others is its good sweet-sour taste complemented by a peach aroma.

Beware of Overloading

The tree is of rather small to medium vigor. Its productivity, however, is very high. It has a strong tendency to overcrop, which could cause the otherwise large fruits to shrink. Therefore, it absolutely requires regular pruning. It is cross-pollinated and requires a partner.

3. 'Spīdola': Red Jewel from Latvia

The 'Spīdola' variety proves that a fruit tree can also be a breathtaking ornamental plant. This hybrid plum stands out from the rest at first glance.

Decorative All Year Round

Already in early spring (April-May), 'Spīdola' enchants you with a flood of pink flowers. The even bigger show, however, comes with the leaves – the entire, densely foliated oval crown has a beautiful blood-red color. The tree grows to a height of 3 to 5 meters and will become the visual centerpiece of any garden.

Ideal for Processing

The fruits ripen in early September. They are smaller, round, dark red, and glossy with a thicker, tart skin. The flesh is burgundy-red, juicy, and sweet-sour. A huge advantage is that the fruits do not crack in rainy weather. They are absolutely excellent for processing into jams and compotes, giving them a beautiful ruby color. It is cross-pollinated and disease-resistant.

Quick Comparison: Which One to Choose?

Feature	Mara	Rannyaya Krupnaya	Spīdola
Ripening	September (Late)	Early August (Early)	Early September
Fruit Color	Bright yellow	Orange-red	Dark red (glossy)
Main Benefit	Immunity to fungi, yield	Size (40 g), peach aroma	Red leaves, pink flowers
Pollination	Cross-pollinated	Cross-pollinated	Cross-pollinated

Conclusion of Part Two

Hybrid plums from the East prove that frost hardiness doesn't have to come at the expense of beauty or taste. If you need a tree to decorate your front yard, 'Spīdola' is the clear choice. For lovers of yellow and sweet fruits with minimal chemical use, there is 'Mara'. And if you prefer a large summer refreshment with a hint of peach, 'Rannyaya Krupnaya' will not disappoint.

Do not forget: All three of these varieties are cross-pollinated. For a rich harvest, we recommend planting them in combination with other hybrid plums (e.g., from the first part of our article) or with cherry plum (myrobalan).