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Hello there, I've just planted three gooseberry bushes in a triangle shape. The instructions say they should be planted 5 feet apart, which I have done. Space is a bit limited but I would love to have a plum tree as well. Do you think it would be ok to plant the plum in the middle of the gooseberry bushes?
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I don't see why not.
Depending on the quality of your soil and the amount of rainfall, you can use a particular rootstock to control the growth rate and final size of the plum tree.
For a good, moisture-retaining soil, I'd suggest Pixy rootstock.
For a mediocre soil or a lower-rainfall area, I'd suggest St Julien A rootstock.
I have a Victoria plum that is a reliable producer and not too vigorous on SJA rootstock. It seems to produce fruit every year, despite mild frosts and it doesn't need a pollination mate. It has a tendency to spread, more than it grows upwards. The wood of Victoria is quite prone to disease, so take care with pruning (minimal pruning and summertime only). Summer pruning will control the vigour..
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