Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus × cistena)

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is a small, ornamental deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking reddish-purple foliage and delicate pink flowers. It’s a hybrid between Prunus cerasifera and Prunus pumila, developed for its compact size and vibrant color. This plant adds bold contrast to garden beds and borders and is often used as a specimen or accent shrub.

Category

Sun Needs:

  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Best foliage color and flowering in full sun
  • Tolerates some shade but may lose intensity of leaf color

Bloom Time:

  • Early to mid-spring
  • Light pink to pale white flowers appear before or with the leaves
  • Flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators
Size:

Height: 6 to 10 feet tall
Width: 5 to 8 feet wide

Attributes:
  • Deep reddish-purple foliage throughout the growing season
  • Fragrant pink spring flowers
  • Small, dark purple fruits may follow flowers (attractive to birds)
  • Compact, rounded form
  • Provides strong color contrast in mixed plantings
Care Tips:
  • Plant in well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types
  • Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first year
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
  • Monitor for pests like aphids, borers, and fungal leaf spot
  • May be short-lived (10–15 years) but offers high ornamental value

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