This deciduous tree has a short trunk with dark bark and forms a vase habit with a rounded crown. It has dark purple leaves and the saucer-shaped white flowers appear in early spring. The cultivar 'Nigra' produces darker leaves and pale pink flowers.

Hardiness zones 3 to 10

Prunus cerasifera is naturally found from south-east Europe to south-west Asia growing in woodlands. It prefers a well drained moderately fertile moist soil and is pH adaptable. It prefers an open sunny position with some wind protection and is drought and frost tolerant. 

The Purple Leafed Plum is grown for its foliage and flowers. It is planted in shrub borders for colour contrast and screening or used as a specimen in a Japanese garden. It is also used for street plantings establishing in 3 to 4 years and is long-lived. When young it can be grown in large tubs or planter boxes and the cultivar 'Nigra' is the more commonly used plant. ID 179

Prunus (PROO-nus) cerasifera (ke-ra-SI-fe-ra)

'Prunus': Latin name for the plum; 'cerasifera': cherry-bearing

Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family