my plum tree hasn't flowered?

Can anyone give me some advice? I bought a little plum tree in homebase (variety Opal) last Autumn, which has got leaves now, but no signs of flowers anywhere. Is this normal, or is it sick? The leaves seem pale to me. Does it need feeding? I've attached a pic. Thanks

 

Fruit buds are made the previous year so it should flower next year if you treat it properly.

It looks like it needs a proper stake and tree-tie. String will rub and damage the bark.

Keep it weed and grass free for 18" around the tree.

A couple of handfulls of shrub fertiliser forked in in that area will probably help.

Plum s do need sunny locations and not exposed to east/north winds as these can damage the flowers in early spring.

was it in a pot or bare-rooted

 

10 out of 10 MF

 

thank you both, I'll be patient and feed it then I think! I'm concerned as we do live in a river valley and have late frosts often (last night for example!) If my plum is unlikely to flourish, what would be good to plant instead?

 

and get a proper stake and tie!

 

You may also wish to consider what shape the tree is going to be as it grows. I wish I had more knowledge to have made my apple tree a better shape :-

(this is not mine)

 

I know I should prune branches that grow inwards and ones that rub on others, beyond that I'd probably let it grow however it likes And it was bare rooted in answer to yr earlier Q has been counter

 

if the leaves are pale it could be canker,which ive had and now the tree is dead