Species

Prunus cerasiferaCherry Plum

3 other cultivars

tree

Purple-Leaf Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus cerasifera is a small, upright to rounded deciduous tree native to Western Asia, the Caucasus, Southeast Europe, and the Himalayas. It develops a twiggy structure with brittle wood and produces single, five-petaled fragrant flowers in early spring before or alongside the emerging foliage.

'Pissardii' is distinguished by its deep purple foliage, which emerges bright reddish-purple in spring and matures to a dark bronze-purple that persists through the summer. The single blossoms open white or pale pink from deep pink buds, standing out against the dark twigs.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking dark purple foliage throughout the growing season and a profusion of white-to-pink spring blossoms.

Serves as an effective visual screen or specimen tree in small-scale landscapes due to its compact, upright-to-rounded habit.

Flowers offer early-season nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the small fruits provide food for local birds.

SpeciesPrunus cerasiferaCherry Plum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

354"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short to moderate

Native To

Western Asia, Caucasus, Southeast Europe, Himalayas

Toxicity

Foliage and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the deepest purple leaf coloration.
Plant in moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil, avoiding compacted or waterlogged areas.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the canopy and remove any brittle or dead branches.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly after the spring bloom to avoid removing next year's flower buds; cutting back heavily into old, leafless wood results in poor recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize the purple foliage color.
Prune immediately after flowering to preserve the next season's buds.
Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavily compacted or poorly drained soils.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not over-fertilize, as this tree requires only sparing applications of balanced organic nutrients.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeAccent PlantHedgeScreening

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Amelanchier alnifolia Narcissus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple-Leaf Plum questions

What zones can Purple-Leaf Plum grow in?

Purple-Leaf Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple-Leaf Plum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple-Leaf Plum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Purple-Leaf Plum bloom?

Purple-Leaf Plum typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple-Leaf Plum need full sun?

Purple-Leaf Plum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Purple-Leaf Plum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple-Leaf Plum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.