Krauter Vesuvius Plum | Dark Purple Foliage Flowering Tree

Krauter Vesuvius Flowering Plum

15 Gallon

$179.00

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Krauter Vesuvius Flowering Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'

Darkest Black-Purple Foliage • Profuse Pink Spring Blooms • Dramatic Landscape Contrast

$179.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Krauter Vesuvius Flowering Plum is a standout for its exceptionally dark, near-black foliage that creates a dramatic, architectural contrast in the landscape. Smothered in pale pink flowers in spring, this medium-sized tree offers a longer season of intense color and a more substantial presence than dwarf varieties, making it a popular choice for larger residential gardens.

Renowned for its very dark, blackish-purple foliage that retains its intense color better throughout the summer than many other purple-leaf plums.
Blooms profusely in spring with a mass of pale pink to white flowers that create a beautiful contrast against the dark branches and emerging leaves.
Grows with a vigorous, upright, and rounded habit, forming a small to medium-sized tree ideal for a lawn specimen or as a dark backdrop in mixed borders.
Drought tolerant and deer resistant once established. It may produce a small amount of ornamental, dark red fruit that is attractive to birds.
A superior alternative to the common 'Thundercloud' plum, with darker foliage and a slightly more compact growth habit.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage:Oval leaves (2-3") with fine serrated edges.Deep purple-black color maintains all season.New growth exhibits richest coloration.Flowers:Profuse soft pink blossoms in early spring.Flowers emerge simultaneously with leaves.Delicate almond fragrance
Mature Size:Height: 18-20 ft.Width: 15-18 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Outstanding foliage color retention.Minimal fruit production.Drought tolerant once established.Deer resistant
Landscape Uses:Dramatic color accent.Small garden specimen.Urban street tree.Formal hedges

Q: How does it compare to ‘Thundercloud’?
A: 'Krauter Vesuvius' is generally considered an improved selection. Its foliage is darker and holds color better in summer heat, and the tree has a slightly more upright and compact form. The flower and fruit are very similar.

Q: Is the fruit messy?
A: It can produce small, cherry-like fruits that may drop and create some litter. However, it is not considered a heavy fruiter like an edible plum tree, and the fruit is often eaten by birds. For a completely fruitless option with dark foliage, consider a purple-leaf plum hybrid like the ‘Purple Pony’ if size permits.

Q: When is the best time to prune?
A: Prune, if necessary for shape or to remove dead wood, immediately after flowering in spring. This allows you to enjoy the blooms and gives the tree the rest of the season to set buds for the next year.