Cherry Plum

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the 'Krauter's Vesuvius' Cherry Plum, a distinguished cultivar prized for its striking deep purple to near-black foliage that maintains its rich color throughout the growing season. In early spring, before the leaves fully emerge, it bursts into a spectacular display of delicate, single pink flowers, creating a breathtaking contrast against its developing dark branches. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this Cherry Plum offers a graceful, rounded to oval form, making it an excellent choice as a specimen tree, a dramatic accent in a mixed border, or for providing shade in smaller garden spaces. While it may produce small, dark red plums, these are generally inconspicuous and secondary to its ornamental value, rarely creating a mess. Hardy and adaptable, 'Krauter's Vesuvius' thrives in a variety of conditions once established, requiring minimal maintenance to maintain its stunning appearance. Its moderate size makes it suitable for both spacious gardens and more compact urban settings, promising a captivating visual impact with its unique color palette.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. Prune in late winter to early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain desired shape. Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.