Last updated on February 1st, 2024 at 06:39 am
Purple Leaf Plum Trees (Prunus cerasifera) are small to medium-sized trees that do well in and around the southwest. The most interesting thing about these trees is the brilliant showy bright pink flowers they produce during the early spring. It is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring. Here is more information on Early Blooming Trees and Plants.
They are also called the Cherry plum tree and they grow to about a medium-sized deciduous tree. About 15 ft. tall and about 20-25 ft. wide. This makes them a good tree to use for a smaller landscape area.
Where to place this tree?
It is a slow to moderate-growing tree. It loves full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially the morning sun. Plant 2-3 in the front of your home for a fantastic show of color in early spring. The blooms last about 2 weeks, sometimes longer. The blooms will disappear and be replaced with new shiny dark purple foliage.
Problems with this tree. It does attract the Borer mainly the Emerald Ash Borer. The female will lay its eggs in the bark these larvae will turn into an adult female borer. The larvae will first turn into a worm and it will chew into the bark and into the tree. It eventually exits and leaves a small “D” shaped hole. You can read more about this borer over at Wikipedia.
Smaller younger trees produce leaves that are thin and delicate. Harsh strong winds during the windy season will damage the foliage, however, once the tree is mature this is not noticeable.
The Purple-leaf plum is a non-bearing plum tree. However, if there are plum trees nearby they will get pollinated and start to bear fruit. This fruit is not edible, but some folks do use these plums to make jam. Read more about making jam with Ornamental Plum.
It is not a drought-tolerant tree so watering often during its first 2-3 years of initial planting is advised. Almost daily during the hot mid-summer seasons. Make sure you have well-composted soil when planting. Learn how to “Plant a tree properly“.
Other varieties of this tree
The Krauter Vesuvius Purple Leaf Plum is another variety of this tree. With dark purple foliage and spectacular bloom and less likely to produce fruit. You can view pictures and more information over at Monrovia.com
Planting Zones. USDA 4-9
Have questions or comments about this tree? Enter your comment below.
How often during the winter should this tree be watered and for how long with a drip system. Thank you.
Hello, Brady. The Purple leaf plum should be watered about twice per month starting in early December and ending in late February. About 15 or 20 minutes on a good drip system. When mid-March rolls along you will have to up your watering about every other day… especially on newly planted trees.
I don’t know how many gallons of water drip out of your system, but it should be about 5-7 gallons each time. I hope this helps.
Yes thank you….
Does this tree attract birds?
Hello, Lyn. Yes, it does. But not as much as larger type trees. The purple leaf plum will grow about 15 ft. tall and about 20-25 ft. wide.