Species

Prunus cerasiferaCherry Plum

3 other cultivars

tree

Purple-Leaf Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus cerasifera, native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub known for its early spring bloom and adaptability to various soil types. The species features simple, serrated leaves and produces small, solitary five-petaled flowers before the new foliage emerges.

'Krauter Vesuvius' is distinguished by its exceptionally dark, lustrous reddish-purple foliage that emerges deep red to near-black and retains its intense coloration throughout the growing season. It produces light pink flowers in early spring and exhibits a dense, upright-rounded to broadly vase-shaped growth habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking contrast in the landscape with its near-black foliage and pale pink spring blossoms.

Functions as a compact, low-maintenance specimen tree suitable for smaller residential lots.

Offers early-season nectar for native bees and honeybees, and occasional nesting sites for songbirds.

SpeciesPrunus cerasiferaCherry Plum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Southeast Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Stones contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained loam, clay, or sandy loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the graft union sits above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun to prevent the dark purple foliage from fading to a muddy green, and prune immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next season's buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy and remove dead wood.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not shear into dense, old, leafless interior wood, which results in slow and patchy recovery.
Do not plant in poorly drained heavy clay or areas prone to prolonged waterlogging.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which stimulates soft, disease-prone shoot growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeUrban gardensFocal point in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Viburnum opulus Narcissus Buxus sempervirens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple-Leaf Plum questions

What zones can Purple-Leaf Plum grow in?

Purple-Leaf Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Purple-Leaf Plum bloom?

Purple-Leaf Plum typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple-Leaf Plum need full sun?

Purple-Leaf Plum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Purple-Leaf Plum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple-Leaf Plum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.