OVERVIEW:

Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter vesuvius’ is a purple-leaved cultivar that typically grows as a dense, upright-rounded tree growing to 15-20' tall.  This is a small, sometimes spiny, deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded habit. Leaves (2.5” long) emerge deep red in spring but mature to dark reddish-purple. Foliage can be expected to retain this excellent color throughout the growing season. Very fragrant white flower blooms appear in early spring and are followed by small tasteless edible fruits. This cultivar is a popular ornamental landscape tree, in large part because of its showy purple foliage and its profuse spring blooming period. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. However, best flowering and purple leaf color are seen in full sun; leaves can become green in shady locations.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter vesuvius’

Common Name: Purple leaf plum, cherry plum

Family: Rosaceae

Suggested Uses: Commonly planted as a landscape specimen or in small groups.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 15-20ft

Foliage: Emerge deep red in spring but mature to dark reddish-purple

Flower: Pink bloom

Bloom Period: April

Fruit: Showy, Edible

Bark: Smooth gray to reddish

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium moisture, well-drained

Soil: Variety - acid, alkaline, sand, clay

USDA Zone: 5-8