Thundercloud Plum
Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud'
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Thundercloud Plum - 4x4x6 Inch Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Thundercloud Plum highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Soil
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Growth RateFast, Medium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pollinator Required
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring

Growing Zones 4-9
Elegant Thundercloud Plum
- Outstanding Foliage
- Beautiful Spring Blooms
- Fast Growing
- Highly Decorative
- Birds Love the Fruit
Looking for a wonderful tree that will deliver long-lasting color to your garden over three seasons? Thundercloud Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud') is one of the top accent trees planted in the country.
With a neat, tidy, rounded form and very pretty ornamental features, this mid-sized, deciduous tree is a delight from spring through fall. The upright spreading branch structure is well shaped, and the tree is well known for its broad, spreading canopy. The light bark is textured for added interest.
When it wakes up from its winter sleep, Thundercloud Plum bursts out with a billow of light pink and white blossoms, reminiscent of a cherry tree in full bloom. This flowering Plum variety really provides a spectacular display against the silvery gray branches.
People will slow down to gaze in amazement as they drive past this tree. What a welcome sign of spring!
But the real show starts soon after the flowers bloom. We think the real genius of the Thundercloud is in the purple leaved foliage. It makes such a bold statement. The ruby red and purple color foliage retains its appeal throughout the season until fall.
Now, this is an ornamental plum, so fruit isn't the main draw here. Even so, it will sometimes bear small edible fruits for you in the summer. They are edible, and quite often the fruit is used to make jams, jellies and preserves. However, if you can't be bothered, simply leaves them on the tree. Your local songbirds will visit to help you enjoy them!
Add some outstanding color to your landscape and buy a couple of these great cherry plum trees today!
How to Use Thundercloud Plum in the Landscape
You'll definitely want to let the glistening deep plum ruby reddish-purple foliage take center stage in a garden bed. This tree is truly a prima donna, let her shine!
With its fast growth rate, it fills these roles in a short amount of time.
This tree is a perfect featured lawn tree.
They look great framing your house when selected for a landscape accent tree.
With its low height and wide spreading canopy, it makes it a great screen tree to block an unwanted view as well as an accent tree for a naturalized spot in the garden. Incorporate them into a planting bed or raised berm planting. Plant 3, 5 or 7 to make a naturalized grouping, or use them along a property line as a lovely screen tree.
At the edge of a property, their deep, delicious leaves draw your eye. This color pushes back the sense of visual space, making your yard look larger.
Include comfy seating nearby. You'll cherish the opportunity to study the blossoms in spring and the lovely color that lasts throughout the growing seasons.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Thundercloud Plum grows fast and is a true low maintenance tree. It is very hardy and will thrive just about anywhere. For the best purple leaf color, plant it in full sun - the leaves will be a chartreuse green if planted in too much shade.
Plant in full sun in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Elevate or mound your planting if drainage is a concern. This will ensure a quick adjustment to the Thundercloud's new location.
The tree is moderately drought tolerant once established. For best performance in the hottest climate Growing Zones, it loves a good layer of mulch. Spread a thick layer of Pine bark or "pathbark" mulch all around the base of the tree, but be sure to leave space around the trunk. Mulching in all areas helps the Thundercloud grow healthier.
You won't need to prune the Thundercloud Flowering Plum other than light cleanup. It's best to prune right after flowering in the spring. Consider spraying with Bonide Fruit and Nut RTU Hose End just after bloom to keep your tree in tip-top shape for the summer.
Planting Tips
Plant your tree at the same depth it grew in. Keep the soil lines even with your planting hole. Too deep hurts this plant, as it needs well drained soils.
To your backfill soil removed from the planting hole, add Dr. Earths Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Planting Mix in a ration of 2 to 1. Use Nature Hills Root Booster under the root system for the best results to get your Thundercloud off to a good start.
Watch your watering in the first year to ensure that the tree is getting the right amount of water. Always check with your finger to the knuckle just before you are ready to water to see how wet the soil is. If it is moist, delay your watering a day or two.
In hotter climates, always be aware of mid-summer heat spikes and apply a little more water when they occur.
You'll love this dramatic, but easy care selection. Order today!