Flowering Plum
Prunus cerasifera 'Frankthrees'
Flowering Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Frankthrees') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Sport of 'Newport'.
medium water15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Prunus cerasifera 'Frankthrees'
- Variety / cultivar
- MT. ST. HELENS®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Short LivedFast but not forever; this one runs short lived here, so enjoy it and plan a successor rather than treating it as a legacy tree.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Flowering Plum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Flowering Plum is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Flowering Plum get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Flowering Plum need?
- Give Flowering Plum about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Flowering Plum grow into?
- Flowering Plum typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Flowering Plum hardy on the Front Range?
- Flowering Plum is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Flowering Plum need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Flowering Plum grow?
- Flowering Plum is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Flowering Plum live?
- Flowering Plum is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Flowering Plum safe for dogs?
- No. Flowering Plum is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Flowering Plum deer-resistant?
- No. Flowering Plum is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Flowering Plum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Flowering Plum can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
