Prunus × cistena
purple-leaf sand cherry
An upright, bushy, medium-sized deciduous shrub with small, pinkish-white flowers. Leaves red-purple, deepening in the summer and brighter in autumn
Synonyms
Prunus cerasifera 'Crimson Dwarf'Prunus × cistena 'Crimson Dwarf'
see morePrunus × cistena 'Purpurea'
Prunus 'Crimson Dwarf'
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Purple Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Superb hedging shrub
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1. In areas where silver leaf is prevalent pruning may be done in mid-summer
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Diseases
May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
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