I ordered a 1 year bare rooted maiden plum, which arrived yesterday, and which I intended to grow as a fan. Once opened though, it's more like a typical part trained tree, with quite a thick central stem as well as various branches.

I've read that it's best to start formative training with a 1 year old. With this one, it looks like I'll have to (in Spring) prune the thicker central leading shoot out, as well as various others side branches, leaving 2 that are about 40cm above the soil line, and tying them to canes to make the Y shape.

I'm not a novice, so it all sounds doable. But I wondered if anyone had any thoughts on why 2 year old + maidens/trees are said not to be suitable. As it's only just arrived, and as it's probably not what I ordered I could return it if it's really not suitable. The company is shut at week-ends, so any advice much appreciated as I also need to decide whether to heel it in or leave it in the box ready for return.