Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius')

Overview

The Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’, commonly known as Cherry plum, is a highly valued ornamental tree prized for its exceptionally dark, dense foliage that emerges deep red in spring and settles into a striking dark reddish-purple hue. This cultivar offers significant seasonal interest, transitioning from profuse pink spring blooms to reliable, colorful leaves that maintain their integrity through summer. It matures into a manageable, dense, upright-rounded form, making it an excellent choice for structured landscapes.

This small deciduous tree provides powerful aesthetic impact, often outshining its species parent in ornamental appeal. While the species is native to western Asia and the Caucasus, the ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ cultivar was introduced to provide gardeners with reliable, dark coloration far superior to many naturalized forms. Its relatively compact size, reaching 15 to 20 feet, makes the Cherry plum suitable for locations where a large shade tree would overwhelm the space.

Gardeners appreciate the Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ for its strong architectural shape and its ability to provide year-round color interest, even before considering the early spring Pink flowers. Although it can naturalize in some regions, this cultivar remains a popular landscape specimen due to its dependable color retention. Proper placement, ensuring ample sunlight, maximizes both its vibrant leaf color and profuse flowering potential.

Fast Facts

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

How to Grow

For optimal establishment, plant Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ during the dormant season, either in early spring before bud break or in the fall after the leaves have dropped. This Cherry plum thrives in average, medium moisture soils, but requires those soils to be well-drained; avoid locations where water pools after rain. Full sun exposure is crucial, as it encourages the deepest purple leaf color and ensures the most abundant spring flowering performance.

Ongoing care focuses primarily on maintaining consistent moisture, especially while the tree is young or during extended dry spells, as it prefers medium water needs. While not heavily demanding, ensure that sunny locations receive sufficient light to maintain the signature dark foliage. Plants may spread or self-seed near the mother tree, so be prepared for potential suckering or naturalized seedlings if this habit is unwanted.

Pruning should be minimal, mainly focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches during dormancy. Be aware that the species, and likely this cultivar, is susceptible to various pests and diseases, so use proper sanitation when pruning to prevent the spread of potential issues. Good air circulation, promoted by avoiding overcrowded planting, can help mitigate fungal problems like powdery mildew later in the season.

Landscape Uses

The Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ is most frequently utilized as a prominent landscape specimen due to its outstanding foliage color and spring floral display. Its upright-rounded habit allows it to anchor smaller garden areas or serve as a vertical accent against lighter-colored structures or borders. Consider grouping several together to create a dramatic, dark screen offering high contrast.

Because of its formal shape when maintained, this Cherry plum works well near entries or along formal walkways where its dark leaves can frame the entrance. It pairs beautifully with chartreuse or silver-leaved companions which make the deep purple foliage of Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ truly pop. Use it sparingly as a specimen, allowing its strong color to take center stage rather than overcrowding it with competing dark plants.

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, though today it mostly exists only in cultivation or where it has naturalized. This is a small, sometimes spiny, deciduous tree typically growing 15-30’ tall with a shrubby, spreading, rounded habit, though the specific cultivar ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ typically stays 15-20’ tall. It is a very popular ornamental landscape tree, in large part because its showy purple foliage and its profuse spring bloom of pink flowers; the serrated, ovate to elliptic leaves emerge deep red before maturing to dark reddish-purple, retaining excellent color all season.

Tolerances

No specific tolerances were listed for this variety.

Potential Problems

This plant is susceptible to a large number of insect and disease pests, requiring vigilant monitoring. Potential diseases include black knot, various leaf spots, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and the serious bacterial infection fireblight. For insect control, be watchful for borers, aphids, scale, leafhoppers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars, and Japanese beetles, while spider mites can also become troublesome. Regularly inspect foliage and wood; promptly remove infected branches (especially during pruning) to manage disease spread, and manage heavy pest infestations quickly with targeted treatments. Fruit drop can sometimes create litter on patios or walkways underneath the canopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cherry plum suitable for?

The Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ is suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ grow?

This ornamental tree typically reaches a mature height between 15 to 20 feet tall, with a similar spread of 15 to 20 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Cherry plum need?

For the best overall performance, especially achieving the deepest purple leaf color and prolific bloom, Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ should be grown in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade.

When does Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ bloom?

The Cherry plum begins its bloom cycle in April, producing flowers described as Pink and noted for being both showy and fragrant.

Conclusion

The Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ stands out as a premier choice for adding strong architectural color to the landscape, offering captivating pink spring flowers followed by dense, dark reddish-purple foliage all season. Its reliable mid-size profile makes it versatile for specimen planting or small groupings. Before planting, confirm your garden falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and ensure you can provide the full sun exposure necessary to maintain its magnificent leaf coloration.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors can enhance the visual appeal and health of your Cherry plum. Consider pairing the dark foliage of Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ with plants offering contrasting light or bright colors. Ground covers with chartreuse foliage, such as certain varieties of creeping Jenny or golden oregano, create excellent visual contrast at the base of the tree.

When planting under the canopy, select lower-growing perennials that share similar cultural needs for medium moisture and well-drained soil. Plants that thrive in partial shade, given that the tree might cast moderate shade once fully leafed out, like Hosta varieties with strong white or yellow variegation, will benefit from the slight protection while still showcasing their own color. Ensure root competition is managed during the establishment phase.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early spring, right before bud break, is the ideal time for dormant pruning of the Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’ to correct structure or remove winter damage. As the growing season begins in late spring, monitor leaves closely for early signs of insect pests like aphids or scale, treating promptly if necessary to prevent infestation impact on leaf quality.

Summer care revolves around consistent watering, especially during hot, dry periods, to support the medium water needs of this Cherry plum. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers during mid-summer, as sudden growth spurts can make the tree more vulnerable to late-season pests or diseases. Keep mulch evenly distributed but maintain a small gap around the trunk base to prevent moisture buildup and rot.

Fall is the best time to clean up fallen fruit, which can otherwise create a messy layer on turf areas and provide overwintering sites for pests. While this plant lacks significant fall color, trimming any errant branches or cleaning up debris prepares the tree for dormancy, setting it up for successful Pink bloom display the following April.