Prunus × cistena
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Prunus × cistena

Dwarf red-leaf plum · Purple-leaf sand cherry · Purple-leaved sand cherry · Dwarf red-leaved plum · Prunus x cistena

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
0
Soil pH
5–7
Hardiness
Zone 3–7
Click count
413
Observations
74

Description

Source: leafsnap

Prunus × cistena, the purple leaf sand cherry or dwarf red-leaf plum, is a hybrid species of Prunus, the result of a cross between Prunus cerasifera (cherry plum or myrobalan plum) and Prunus pumila (sand cherry). A leggy bush or shrubby tree, it typically reaches a height of 1.5–2.5 meters and has a useful life of 10–20 years. The fruits are edible, if strong-tasting. Some people make jams or preserves from them. It is not advisable to eat the pits. Frost-tolerant, purple leaf sand cherries can be grown up to USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. Commercial specimens are typically grafted to a rootstock from any of a number of other species, which will influence their growth form and final height. There are also a limited selection of cultivars available. Prunus × cistena was developed by Niels Ebbesen Hansen in 1910. In 1993 it won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry thrives best with balanced moisture and moderate humidity. For optimal health, it should be watered weekly. As a deciduous plant, it sheds its leaves during dry spells to reduce water loss and better endure low-water conditions.

☀️ Light Full sun

Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is plentiful. It performs best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, showing good adaptability to different sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C

The Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry is very adaptable to different climates, handling both hot summers and cold winters. Still, it has a preferred temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant can suffer from heat and humidity stress, which may kill it. In locations where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, providing insulation is necessary to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 5-7
Soil pH: 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The timing of fertilization is important for Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly through early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry is known for its striking purple foliage and beautiful blooms. To maintain its health and appearance, it's best to prune in early spring. Start by removing any dead branches and thinning out dense areas to improve air circulation. Cutting back older stems will also encourage new growth. Regular pruning not only promotes healthier growth but also enhances the plant's ornamental appeal.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-7
Mature Height
1.83 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Gold, Yellow, Purple
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer

Tags (5)

Common Names (5)

en Dwarf red-leaf plum
en Purple-leaf sand cherry
en Purple-leaved sand cherry
en Dwarf red-leaved plum
en Prunus x cistena