Flowering Plum Tree

There’s a certain romance to stories of outsiders. You know, the rebels who play by their own rules, often against conventional wisdom, to weave their own path and daring to stand out. Apple famously launched the ‘Think Different’ campaign in 1997, with the aim of appealing to our own inner outsider, stating their computers to be for “…the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes…”

Prunus cerasifera Thundercloud - Purple Flowering Plum in Gala Street, Invercargill. A line of trees in pink blossom.

Well, it seems the ‘apple’ doesn’t fall far from the tree. More specifically it doesn’t fall far from the Flowering Plum Tree. Because let’s face it – there’s nothing even slightly rebellious about real apples. They are wholesome and good. On the other hand, the Flowering Plum Tree is a bit of a rebel. When Spring landscapes are full of healthy green shoots of life, its leaves are a deep purple. It goes rogue with a visual statement that adds drama and intrigue. It rebels against the norm. In fact, even the name of this week’s tree stands out…

Photo: magnificent PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ – Purple Flowering Plum trees in Invercargill streetscape.

Like all rebels, there’s a softer underside. With the ‘Thundercloud’, it’s the pale pink blossom that reveals itself in Spring, providing a surprisingly gentle aesthetic in contrast to the deep purple of just a few weeks previous. But ever the rebel, it’ll blossom earlier than other trees, a mark of defiance that’s welcome as the seasons change.

PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ – Flowering Plum Tree

This beautiful tree is very well suited to group plantings (yes, the rebellion can grow) and avenue locations. Or it is naturally wonderful as a specimen tree. Either way, this rogue of nature has a unique charm that draws you in. So if you wish to add a bit of rakish character to your garden, we recommend it.

– Upright, hardy tree
– Suitable for avenue or group planting
– Deciduous, can grow up to 4x3m

Photo: Pretty line of PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ – Flowering Plum Tree in 35/45L container, 2.5m+ height. Also, 80L container, 3m+ height available at Easy Big Trees Nursery.

PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ - Flowering Plum Trees line with purple red foliage at Easy Big Trees nursery.
PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ - Flowering Plum purple foliage and pink flowers close up.
PRUNUS cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ - Flowering Plum Trees at Tait Communication Campus, Christchurch, supplied by Easy Big Trees.
People enjoying the nice shade from Purple Flowering Plum trees by the lake in Wanaka.
Harry Winter planting tips: One way to keep your hands warm in Winter is to keep them busy with some planting! It might sound like a strange time to do this but we’re operating on nature’s timeline here, and nature is making sure the soil is moist, while keeping bugs and plant diseases at bay. Your new plants will appreciate the time getting used to their new home before Spring kicks in.
Harry Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Tips: It's true alright. Some work now will reap a bountiful harvest next Summer, when you really do get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The key is to stick to the 3 D's of pruning, getting rid of anything that's dead, diseased or damaged. Go about your work on a dry day and wear a few layers, so you can take them off as needed. Different fruit trees need to be pruned slightly differently but in general, just remember to not get too carried away. Trimming back by about 20% is a good rule of thumb.
Testimonial from Nicholas, Easy Big Trees client from Glenorchy: You guys have been worderful to deal with. Great service, thank you."
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