Thundercloud Plum Tree Pros and Cons, Care, Diseases, Pruning

Thundercloud Plum is a deciduous tree that grows tall and wide. Its average texture fits into the scenery, but it can be made more interesting by adding one or two trees or shrubs with a finer or coarser texture. When fully grown, Thundercloud Plum will have a spread of 20 feet and a height of roughly 20 feet. It is good for planting beneath power lines because of its modest canopy, which typically extends 4 feet above the ground. It has a medium growth rate and a maximum expected life of 30 years under ideal circumstances.

Only direct sunshine should be used to cultivate this tree. It thrives in moderate to evenly wet environments, although it is unable to tolerate flooding. It is not picky about pH or soil type. It has a strong tolerance for urban pollution and can even flourish in densely populated areas.

Pros

Visually Appealing

The Thundercloud plum tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape because of its magnificent dark crimson to purple foliage. Additionally, in the spring, they produce stunning pink or white blossoms.

Easy to maintain

Thundercloud plum trees need very little upkeep once they are established. They can survive in dry conditions, are immune to most common diseases, and may grow without pruning unless shaping or thinning is desired.

Harvesting Fruit

Small, sour plums from thundercloud plum trees make excellent jams, jellies, and baked products but are not often consumed fresh.

Attraction for Wildlife

Thundercloud plum tree makes fruit that is loved by birds and other species, making it a wonderful addition to a garden or landscape intended to draw wildlife.

Cold Tolerance

If you live in a region that experiences severe winters, you should consider planting a thundercloud plum tree because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsher temperatures than most other fruit trees.

Pollinators

The presence of pollinators like bees and butterflies around a thundercloud plum tree is beneficial to the overall well-being of the garden.

Cons

Here few cons of this tree:

Delicate Branches

The branches of thundercloud plum trees are susceptible to breakage when subjected to a load of heavy snow or ice, or during strong chilly winds.

Disease Susceptible

Some diseases, including black knots, can weaken and kill a thundercloud plum tree despite the tree's general resistance to diseases.

Attract Pests

The fruit that thundercloud plum trees produce has the potential to draw pests like fruit flies, which can be a hassle for homeowners.

Care

The procedure for establishing a Thundercloud blooming plum tree is largely the same as for any other tree type. However, there are a few more things you need to be aware of. 

Hydration and nutrients

The water requirements for the Thundercloud plum tree are standard. Watering requirements for this tree, like most others, will increase after planting. However, ensure that the soil does not become overly saturated for an extended period of time.

Pollination

The blossoms of Thundercloud flowering plum trees contain both male and female reproductive organs. This enables this tree to self-pollinate, which is not the case with the majority of fruit trees. 

Diseases

Unfortunately, there are numerous diseases that can affect Thundercloud plum trees. This tree is susceptible to a vast variety of diseases, including powdery mildew, root rot, and insect infestation. A fungal infection that results in a black knot is one of the most common diseases that can affect a Thundercloud flowering plum tree. When a tree has a black knot, it develops unappealing growths on its branches. These growths may obstruct the tree's ability to absorb nutrients and moisture.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for thundercloud flowering plum trees. There may be no need to prune mature specimens at all every year. If you decide to prune your Thundercloud flowering plum tree, it will help the tree produce more blossoms and fruits the following year. The ideal time to prune a tree is when it is dormant.