Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is a hardy ornamental shrub prized for fragrant pale pink spring flowers and rich burgundy-purple foliage that holds color through summer; the rounded, upright habit suits small gardens, borders, and foundation plantings.

Distinctive Features

Wine-purple leaves provide season-long contrast against light stone and evergreen companions; abundant early blooms on bare wood attract pollinators and are followed by small, bird-friendly drupes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for deepest foliage color; tolerates light partial shade with reduced intensity.
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; adaptable if drainage is good.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; moderate drought tolerance once rooted in.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 6 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide.
• Bloom Time: Mid spring on bare to just-emerging foliage.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.2.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Deep purple foliage and spring bloom create a striking specimen.
• Color Contrast: Highlights silver conifers, grasses, and light siding.
• Hedge/Screen: Dense branching forms a seasonal privacy ribbon.
• Foundation Accent: Upright oval shape frames entries and patios.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly the first 2 to 3 years; provide occasional deep soaks in prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Prune just after flowering to thin older stems and maintain shape; remove suckers and any black knot galls well below affected tissue.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring only if growth is weak.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 in organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it off the trunk, to conserve moisture and moderate temperature.
• Notes: Best color in full sun; ensure good air flow to limit leaf spot and monitor for borers; generally short-lived (often 10 to 15 years) in hot, humid regions.

Why Choose Purpleleaf Sand Cherry?

• Season-Long Color: Burgundy foliage delivers continuous contrast.
• Spring Interest: Fragrant blossom flush attracts pollinators.
• Landscape Versatility: Works as specimen, hedge, or foundation accent.
• Cold Hardy: Reliable performance in northern climates.

Plant Purpleleaf Sand Cherry in full sun and well-drained soil to maximize foliage color and dependable spring bloom.