The Krauter Vesuvius Cherry Plum is a rounded, deciduous tree with deep purple leaves most of the year and pink cherry blossom flowers in the spring. This tree makes an excellent decorative showy specimen tree for an ornamental garden area. This plant is considered to be mostly allergic reaction free and causes little or no allergy problems for most people.

The Cherry Plum tree should be grown in full sunshine in well-drained, acidic soil to bring out the most vibrant leaf colors. You will need to follow a regular weekly watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive healthy root system. With proper care this tree will grow to a moderate height of approximately 20ft tall and about 15ft wide.

For best results in spring it is best to fertilize the tree with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins. This tree can easily enhance a landscape with its delightful spring flush of pink flowers. Make sure that you choose good quality trees for planting in your landscape. According to planting guidelines at treesusa.com; “Unlike established plants, which do best with deep, infrequent irrigation, research clearly shows that recently transplanted trees and shrubs establish quickest with light, frequent irrigation. For trees planted in spring or summer, provide one (cooler hardiness zones) to three irrigations (warmer hardiness zones) each week during the first few months after planting.

Daily irrigation in the warmest hardiness zones provides the quickest establishment. Following the initial few months of frequent irrigation, provide weekly irrigation until plants are fully established. With every irrigation apply one (cool climates) to two (warm climates) gallons of water per inch trunk diameter (e.g. 2 to 4 gallons for a 2-inch tree) over the root ball only. In most landscapes that receive more than 30 inches of rain or irrigation annually, if the mulch area is maintained weed-free, irrigation does not need to be applied outside of the root ball. Never add water if the root ball is saturated.

In cooler hardiness zones, in all but the driest years, irrigation of spring- and summer-planted trees usually can be discontinued once fall color has begun. Irrigation of fall planted trees, however, should be continued until foliage has dropped from the deciduous trees in the region. In warmer climates, irrigate fall-and winter-planted trees as described for the spring- and summer planted trees.

In drier, desert climates there is benefit to be gained from applying additional irrigation outside of the root ball area. This is best done by making a large diameter berm four to six inches high, then filling it with water so it percolates into the soil. For the first two years, irrigate twice each week through the spring, once per week in summer provided monsoons arrive, and twice each week again in fall if it remains warm.

Taper off watering to once or twice each month in winter and resume twice weekly next spring. For years three to five, water twice per month in spring, summer, and fall and once or twice per month in winter. During years five through seven, water once every three weeks in warm weather and once every six weeks in winter. After this, the drought-tolerant desert trees should be able to survive on natural rainfall. Trees with good, strong structure need no pruning at planting, except to remove broken twigs. Do not remove branches to compensate for root loss – research has shown that this can be detrimental to establishment.”

While possible the Krauter Vesuvius tree rarely bares fruits. The fruit is purple and round like a plum, however you should not eat the fruit or anything else from this tree since it is poisonous. This is a beautiful tree with spectacular foliage that is sure to be the highlight of your landscape every spring.