What Kind of Care Does an Ornamental Plum Tree Need?

The crisp white flowers of a flowering plum tree.

Ornamental plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a short-lived tree commonly grown for its abundant spring flowers and its rich, dark colored foliage. Common cultivars include maroon-leaved Thundercloud Flowering Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud') and the cold hardy Newport (Prunus cerasifera 'Newport'). Even with proper care, ornamental plum may start to decline after 10 to 15 years due to its high susceptibility to pests and disease.

Location

A native of Europe and Asia, ornamental plum is well suited to temperate climates. Most varieties do best in USDA zones 5 to 8, although the Newport variety is hardy to zone 4. Typically growing to a height of about 20 feet, ornamental plum is ideal for dense, urban neighborhoods with limited space. The tree is tolerant of coastal conditions and can handle seacoast exposure. Plant ornamental plum in a bright, full-sun location.

Culture

Ornamental plum is tolerant of a wide variety of soil and pH types, including alkaline soil. Soil must be well draining, or the tree will suffer from rot and other complications. For best results, grow in a fertile soil that is consistently moist to the touch. Water new trees regularly and deeply to establish a healthy root system, and fertilize in the spring with an all-purpose fertilizer. In extreme heat, water at least once a week.

Disease

Ornamental plum is highly susceptible to a fungus disease called brown rot, especially in wet, rainy regions. The fungus initially attacks developing flowers in the spring, eventually spreading to twigs and branches. The disease results in a thin, sickly looking crown. The disease is best avoided by growing the tree in an exposed site that gets a full day's worth of sunlight. Avoid watering young plants from overhead, as splashing water onto the tree's foliage can attract disease.

Pests

Common pests that infect ornamental plum include scale insects and Japanese beetles. Insects such as scale, which appear as lumpy growths on branches, may be controlled with regular applications of a horticultural oil, such as neem oil. Japanese beetles appear in summer and feed on new growth, damaging leaves and causing browning at the top of the tree. Japanese beetles are best picked off by hand on young plants, or controlled with a systemic insecticide.

References

• Monrovia: Thundercloud Purple Leaf Plum
• Washington State University: Thundercloud Purple Leaf Plum
• University of Illinois: Japanese Beetle