We bought this tree Sept 2015 and planted it in fresh loam and fertilized it as recommended by the nursery where we bought it. The tag says "Thundercloud Flowering Plum, Prunus cerasifera". It looks healthy, but It has never blossomed. It's soft leaves all have round holes from insect bites. The amount of leaves look sparse. We have never seen beetles, caterpillars or any other bugs on it. We have used Bayer insect spray as directed. We fertilized once each spring. Why doesn't it bloom as stated on literature? Irene and Jim
Answer
Dear Irene and Jim,
The Thundercloud Flowering Plum is an early blooming tree. We had an extremely cold winter this past winter and most likely the flower buds were killed by the cold. Since 2015, we have had three very cold winters (2015, 2016 and 2018) that have killed the flower buds on hydrangeas, apples, peaches and any early blooming shrub or tree. Last year, 2017, was a good year for the early bloomers. Since it is a young tree, it may take 3-5 years for it to fully bloom. It may produce 1-2 flowers year one and 5-7 flowers year two and so on. Thundercloud Plums have a lot of disease and insect issues. I would stop using the Bayer insecticide since you really don't know what is eating the tree. Allow the birds and other insects to help take care of the insects on the tree. Using insecticides stresses the tree further. Next, I would dig a 3-4 ft diameter circle around the base of the tree, remove the grass and add compost and mix it into the soil very well; then apply a 2-3" layer of mulch. Do not touch the trunk with the mulch. The mulch will keep the roots cool and moist during hot weather. And make sure the tree is well watered during dry weather. Water twice a week with one (5 ) gallon bucket of water until the end of September. Hopefully, the tree is planted in full sun (7-8hrs of full sunlight) and not in shade. Be patient and see what happens next year. You may have to think about a different tree as a replacement. If you need any suggestions, I'm here.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
