shrub

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Prunus cistena

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Short-lived (10-15 years)

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus x cistena is a hybrid deciduous shrub, a cross between purple-leaf plum and sand cherry. It is primarily grown for its striking reddish-purple foliage that lasts all season. This plant is valued for its combination of fragrant, light pink spring flowers that emerge before the leaves and its season-long deep purple foliage. It can produce small, dark purple fruits that are attractive to birds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is the intense, season-long reddish-purple foliage that provides a powerful color contrast in the landscape. The delicate pink spring flowers are an added bonus.

It can be used as a specimen plant to draw the eye, or planted in a row to create a colorful, informal hedge or screen that stands out against green backgrounds.

The spring flowers provide an early food source for bees and other pollinators. If fruit is produced, it is readily eaten by birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it away from the trunk.
Water regularly for the first year until the plant is established.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best foliage color and provide good air circulation to reduce disease risk.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun to maintain the deep purple leaf color.
Prune out any dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering.
Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Monitor closely for pests and diseases, as it is susceptible to many.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or wet soils.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal leaf diseases.
Don't prune late in the season.
Avoid wounding the trunk with mowers or trimmers, as this invites borers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

High-contrast foliage specimenInformal hedge or screenDramatic accent in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Spiraea 'Goldmound' Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' Yucca filamentosa Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry questions

What zones can Purpleleaf Sand Cherry grow in?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry 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 Purpleleaf Sand Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Purpleleaf Sand Cherry bloom?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purpleleaf Sand Cherry need full sun?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Purpleleaf Sand Cherry drought tolerant?

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