Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud')

Overview

Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ is a highly valued ornamental Cherry plum renowned primarily for its spectacular, season-long foliage display. This cultivar emerges with ruby-red leaves that deepen into a dense, dark reddish-purple, offering intense color contrast in the landscape. The stunning visual appeal of Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ makes it a popular selection where year-round interest is desired.

As a deciduous tree, it provides early spring charm with fragrant, light pink flowers preceding the leaf-out. Cherry plum matures to a modest size, typically reaching 15 to 25 feet tall and wide, suitable for many residential and commercial settings. While it produces small, edible fruit, its main value lies in its architectural form and richly colored leaves.

Gardening success with Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ centers on providing full sun to ensure the best possible purple leaf color retention throughout the growing season. This specimen bridges the gap between large shade trees and smaller flowering shrubs, offering substantial impact in a manageable stature.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-25 ft
  • Spread: 15-20 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: Light pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Plant Cherry plum during the dormant seasons—early spring or late fall—to minimize transplant shock, ensuring the site offers average, medium moisture, and well-drained loams. Optimal flowering and the richest purple leaf color are achieved when the tree receives full sun exposure throughout the day. Adequate drainage is crucial, as standing water can lead to root problems.

Water new plantings regularly to establish a deep root system, transitioning to medium, consistent watering once mature, especially during dry periods. Fertilization is generally not required in rich soils. Pruning should be kept minimal, mainly focused on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches immediately after flowering.

To enhance the dramatic purple leaf color of Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’, ensure it is situated where it receives maximum light; be prepared for the leaves to fade toward green in shadier spots. Be aware that this species may spread or naturalize through self-seeding in ideal conditions.

Landscape Uses

The primary recommendation for Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ is as a landscape specimen due to its exceptional foliage. Its upright, dense habit and vibrant color make it an excellent focal point in smaller yards, entry courtyards, or mixed borders where it contrasts beautifully against green or silver-leaved plants.

As a flowering tree, it offers essential early spring interest. Plant Cherry plum near windows or patios to enjoy the fragrant blossoms before the leaves fully emerge. Consider using it as a high-impact anchor plant in foundation plantings, spaced generously enough to allow its 15 to 20-foot spread to develop without crowding neighbors.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Prunus cerasifera, commonly called cherry plum or Myrobalan plum, is native to western Asia and the Caucasus. Today, it only exists in cultivation except for the many situations where it has escaped gardens and naturalized. This is a small, sometimes spiny, deciduous tree typically growing to 15-30’ tall with a shrubby, spreading, rounded habit. ‘Thundercloud’ is purple-leaved cultivar that typically grows as a dense, upright-spreading tree to 15-25’ tall. It has become a very popular ornamental landscape tree in large part because its showy purple foliage retains excellent color throughout the growing season.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The Cherry plum is susceptible to a notable number of insect and disease pests, requiring observant gardening practices. Potential diseases include black knot, leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and fireblight, which require monitoring, especially in humid environments.

Common insect challenges include borers, aphids, scale, leafhoppers, various caterpillars, and Japanese beetles; spider mites can also become troublesome. Inspecting the foliage and bark regularly allows for early intervention using targeted pest control methods. A practical consideration is that fruit drop can sometimes create a litter problem beneath the tree in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cherry plum suitable for?

Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Cherry plum grow?

This tree typically reaches a mature height between 15 and 25 feet, with a spread generally ranging from 15 to 20 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ need?

For the most vibrant, consistent purple foliage, this tree thrives best in full sun, though it tolerates part shade.

When does Cherry plum bloom?

The fragrant, light pink blooms of the Cherry plum typically appear in April before the main leaf flush.

Conclusion

The Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ offers exceptional landscape value through its highly ornamental, richly colored purple foliage and early fragrant blossoms. This resilient Cherry plum excels as a specimen plant provided it receives ample sunlight and well-drained soil. Before planting, confirm that your site falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8 to ensure optimal performance.

Companion Planting

When designing a garden around your Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’, consider utilizing contrasting textures and colors. Plants with silver or pale green foliage, such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or certain Artemisia varieties, will make the deep purple of the Cherry plum truly pop. Since it prefers well-drained soil, pair it with other drought-tolerant woody shrubs or perennials that share similar low-to-medium water needs. Avoid placing it immediately next to plants that require deep, constant shade, as this will diminish the leaf color of your tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is crucial for Pin Cherry plum maintenance; prune any necessary structural damage right after the light pink flowers fade to avoid removing next year’s future bloom potential. Summer requires monitoring for pests like aphids and caterpillars, treating promptly if infestations occur. In autumn, unlike many deciduous trees, this plant offers no significant fall color display, but clean up any fallen fruit to manage potential litter. Winter care involves protecting very young trees from harsh winds and checking trunks for signs of borers entering dormancy.