Purpleleaf Sandcherry has attractive burgundy deciduous foliage on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall. It features delicate fragrant shell pink flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds before the leaves. The smooth bark and deep purple branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Purpleleaf Sandcherry is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Purpleleaf Sandcherry is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Purpleleaf Sandcherry will grow to be about 7 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.
| Botanical Name | Prunus x cistena |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | shrub |
| Botanical Classification | shrub |
| Height | 7 feet |
| Spread | 5 feet |
| Growth Rate | medium |
| Hardiness Zone | 3b |
| Sunlight | full sun |
| Moisture | average to moist |
| Flower Color | shell pink |
| Bloom Time | in mid spring |
| Foliage Color | burgundy |
| Fall Color | red |