Thundercloud Plum Tree

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Thundercloud Plum Tree is a popular ornamental tree known for its dramatic deep purple foliage and soft pink spring flowers. This flowering plum adds striking color and seasonal interest to landscapes, with blooms appearing in early spring followed by rich purple leaves throughout the growing season. Its moderate size and ornamental beauty make it a standout focal tree for residential yards.

  • Botanical name: Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’
  • Bloom time: Early spring
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun.

WATER:
Water deeply once per week during establishment. Once established, water occasionally during extended dry periods.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Thundercloud Plum Trees grow best in sunny locations with well-draining soil and moderate climates.

Note: Thundercloud Plum Trees are ornamental flowering trees grown primarily for their foliage and blossoms rather than fruit production.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Thundercloud Plum Tree, scientifically known as Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’, is a striking ornamental tree known for its deep purple foliage and delicate spring blossoms. In early spring, soft pale pink flowers appear before the leaves emerge, creating a beautiful contrast against the tree’s dark purple foliage that follows. With its colorful leaves and graceful branching, the Thundercloud Plum Tree adds bold visual interest to landscapes and is often used as a focal point or ornamental shade tree in residential gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Typically grow 1–2 feet per year and reach 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first growing season to help establish the root system. Once established, Thundercloud Plum Trees require moderate watering, typically during extended dry periods. Watering needs will vary depending on soil conditions, rainfall, temperature, and local climate.

Thundercloud Plum Trees grow best in full sun, which helps maintain their deep purple foliage and promotes healthy flowering.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune Thundercloud Plum Trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and lightly shape the canopy if needed.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced slow-release tree fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering, especially in nutrient-poor soil. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Thundercloud Plum Trees are generally cold hardy within their growing zones and typically require no special winter protection. Mulching around the base of young trees can help regulate soil moisture and temperature

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Select a planting location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and about the same depth as the nursery container so the tree sits at the same level it was growing previously. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-8

Thundercloud Plum Trees grow well in USDA Zones 5–8 and are commonly planted throughout much of the United States. They thrive in climates with moderate winters and warm summers. This ornamental plum performs best in full sun with well-draining soil and benefits from consistent watering during establishment. In hotter regions, occasional deep watering during dry periods helps maintain healthy growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thundercloud Plum Trees typically grow 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide, forming a rounded ornamental canopy.

This ornamental tree has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year under good growing conditions.

Plant Thundercloud Plum Trees in a full sun location with well-draining soil to maintain the deep purple foliage and promote healthy flowering.

Plant Thundercloud Plum Trees about 15–20 feet apart to allow space for their mature canopy.

Yes. Thundercloud Plum Trees can produce small ornamental plums, typically about ½ to 1 inch in diameter. These fruits usually appear after the spring flowers and mature in late summer to early fall. While the fruit is technically edible, it is often tart and not commonly grown for eating, which is why the tree is primarily planted for its ornamental value—its pink spring blossoms and deep purple foliage. The small plums may also attract birds and wildlife, adding ecological interest to the landscape.

The leaves emerge deep purple to burgundy and maintain their rich color throughout the growing season when planted in full sun.

Thundercloud Plum Trees bloom in early spring, producing delicate pale pink flowers before the leaves emerge.

Yes. The early spring blossoms can attract bees and other early-season pollinators.

Yes. Its moderate mature size and colorful foliage make it a great ornamental tree for many residential landscapes.

Yes. Thundercloud Plum Trees are deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in fall and regrow them in spring.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.