Purple leaf plum tree pros and cons: Guide

The Purple Leaf Plumm Tree (Prunus cerasifera) is also known as myrobalan plum or the cherry plum, is a gorgeous blooming tree that’s attractive to add color to the gardens. It is a small tree and it produces stunning flowers which make a statement in your gardens. Read on to find out more about the purple leaf plum trees advantages and disadvantages. Purple leaf plum tree pros and cons.

Purple leaf plums are indigenous in Southeast Europe and West Asia. Prunus cerasifera is among the various purple-leaved tree species available, and in the case of this one, it’s classified as deciduous. It is not more than 25 feet (8 meters) in height and features a heavily branched and with a very rounded crown on top.

In this piece, I will not just be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the purple plum tree, but offer tips for how to care for and prune the bronze purple one tree.

Growing purple-leaf plum trees

Zones:

In general, zones 4-9 are the most common, the majority of varieties thrive within zones 8 to 5-8.

Mature Size:

25’ across and 25’ high

Growth Rate:

A foot or two per year, Medium

Exposure:

For the most vibrant purple foliage color and flowering, the purple leaf plum trees must be planted in sunny spot with full sun or partially shade. The leaves will not attain their full color and rich potential under shade, and they will become almost green.

Water:

The purple-leaf plum tree requires regularly scheduled watering. They’re moderately drought-resistant after they are established. However, they might require additional watering during summer’s heat.

Little pruning:

A little pruning is required aside from removing sick or diseased branches and it is recommended to do this immediately after the blooms have finished. Cut back in the summer months when silver leaf becomes an issue diseased branches.

Problems, Diseases, Pests:

The purple-leaf plum tree is known to be prone to many ailments, such as black knot leaf spot, dieback and leaf curl powdery mildew as well fungal diseases as root rot and fireblight. They also are susceptible to pests like borer, aphids, scale and leafhoppers as well as caterpillars and tent caterpillars. japanese maple insects and spider mites.

This can add to the relatively brief life duration of around twenty years or less. The drop of fruit can cause problems due to the huge amount of fruit with small size that are that are produced. If you’re concerned by the issue, an excellent alternative is Forest Pansy is which is an Eastern tree forest pansy that is redbud with deep violet and purple foliage.

Care for a Purple Leaf Plum Tree

The purple-leaf plum tree is a good choice for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. If you’re looking to plant the purple plum tree in your yard don’t hesitate. It’s very simple to maintain and it’s an extremely attractive tree. This is the kind of care the cherry plum tree with deep purple leaves, will require:

Climate: Resilient to hard frosts as well as moderate droughts. It is more likely to have prolific flowering when it has at least 500 “chill hours” per year (which is hours that are less than 45 degrees (7 degrees Celsius).

Soil: It is not required to have very fertile soil. However, it should be loose and light enough that the roots are able to aerate. Additionally, it must have a an adequate and good drainage system to keep out excess water. This is why the poorest soils are the ones with clay. A pH range of 5 to 7 is great for the development and growth of the leaves of purple.

Location: The ideal location to plant a purple-colored cherry plum tree is in a sunny area and not in regions where high temperatures in summer, where it’s best in semi-shade. It must receive at the very least 6 to 8 hours of sun to achieve its brightest purple shade.

Watering: The tree with the dark purple leaves needs moderate watering, without excessive and more frequent during the heat of summer. Mulch can be added for moisture retention.

Fertilizing: Fertilize your Purple Leaf Plum tree each year in the early spring, following the instructions of the manufacturer. An NPK fertilizer of 6-2-4 can be sufficient for a cherry plum purple plant. If your soil is fertile, fertilize it every 2 years.

If you are in USDA zones 4-9, the purple leaf plum trees can flourish when it is properly cared by the guidelines earlier. It’s a beautiful ornamental tree for gardens. They typically live up to 20 years.

Purple Leaf Plum Tree Pros and Cons

Plum and other plum trees with purple leaves are ornamental tree that is appreciated for their unique lush purple foliage, as well as delicate white or pink flowers. But, as with all plants there purple leaf plum tree pros and cons of the cultivation of these trees. Below is a summary of the purple leaf plum trees benefits and drawbacks. Purple leaf plum tree pros and cons:

Pros

• Incredible visual appeal The dark violet leaves and blooms of a plethora of purple leaves tree create a stunning display for any garden or landscape.
• Low maintenance They are easily maintained and need minimal pruning or attention once they have been established.
• attracts wildlifeThe flowers that smell sweet from the tree draw bees as well as other pollinators. Moreover, the fruit is the source of protein for other wildlife and birds.

Cons

• A short lifespan purple leaf plum trees tend to have shorter lifespans in comparison to other fruits or ornamental trees. They are typically being around 15 years old.
• Disease-resistant: These trees can be susceptible to a variety of insects and diseases that can result in significant harm or even kill when left untreated.
• The messiness:The fruit of the cherry plum is messy if it falls as well as the tree may shed a large number of leaves over the course of its growing season. This requires frequent cleaning.

Should I Plant A Purple Leaf Plum Tree In My Garden?

If you’re looking to have an ornamental fruit tree, and you are a fan of myrobalan plum, then the purple-leaf plum tree is the perfect option for your garden. It can be found in both warm and cold climates that covers USDA zones 4-9.

The majority of people in America United States can successfully grow one. Based on the advice of experts, it is important to make sure that your cherry plum tree with purple leave receives plenty of sun light and well-drained soil that is acidic for good health and lots of care in its care tips the early times.

We’ve said that this species of tree is more ornamental and has rich purple leaves. Apart from its attractiveness it also is fruitful in the months of July and August.

However it is not the case that every tree will thrive in your yard. As purple-leaf plants are prone to diseases as well as common pests, this could cause them to be difficult to grow.

Who Should Consider Planting A Purple Leaf Plum Tree?

Prunus cerasifera can be described as a multi-purpose tree that can thrive in all ornamental settings within its zone of hardiness. If you’re unsure about the zone you reside in, you can refer to the USDA’s Hardiness Zone Map. If you reside in zones 4-8 and you are in zone 4, Prunus can expand in your climate.

But, the right temperatures are just one aspect of what defines or degrades an Prunus cerasifera tree. The soil’s quality, availability of water and the patterns of use for landscapes are all elements of the environment which determine the degree to which the Prunus cerasifera plant will grow and expand.

Soil Quality

Prunus cerasifera needs mildly acidic or neutral soils. A well-groomed garden or natural areas may contain soils that can nourish Prunus cerasifera, without any modification. It is however likely that the area where you intend to establish your tree needs to be amended using fertilizer or organic material.

Water Availability

Prunus cerasifera is a mediumly significant quantity of water. The environments that are within the temperature tolerance that is higher for the Prunus cerasifera are advised to increase the water source of their trees by regular watering of the hose.

The quantity of water that Prunus cerasifera is equally important as the frequency with which the watering occurs. Prunus cerasifera cannot tolerate anaerobic conditions. It will degrade rapidly in soils that are saturated.

Making sure that the drainage is correct for the soil which supports the Prunus cerasifera tree will prolong your tree’s lifespan. Make sure to water beautiful tree only as needed and then increase the frequency of watering the quantity of the watering.

Land Use Patterns

The way the space around the Prunus cerasifera tree is utilized will influence how your tree grows.

Prunus cerasifera is usually unable to thrive in urban areas. Insufficient natural space, low soil quality, polluting as well as flooding are just a few of the most common dangers Prunus cerasifera encounters in urban settings.

Residents of metropolitan areas with smaller backyards or high pollutant levels (cities such as New York City or Los Angeles) might have better plant success by planting other species or trees.

homeowners living in rural or suburban regions will have less difficulties when it comes to their Prunus cerasifera plants, but different land uses should be taken into consideration. Prunus cerasifera will not be tolerant of the shade of heavily shaded areas, nor soil compaction.

If your area is characterized by little foot traffic, regular games or other recreational usage within the neighborhood around your Prunus cerasifera tree, it could cause soil to compact and adversely influence the growth and durability of the tree.

Types of Purpleleaf Plum

It is the Purple Leaf Plum tree isn’t the only variety of plum tree highly sought-after all over the United States.

In reality, these are 12 with the same colour, and better tasting fruits that have a greater digestibility quality than other animals that are taken and consumed straight out of the trees.

Based on this guideline it is possible pick which one you want to plant in your garden center yard that will satisfy your desires in aesthetics, to have readily delicious fresh fruits that are edible as well as for plums which are best to bake or turn into preserves.

Name	Scientific Name	Height	Fruit	Flowers	Foliage	USDA HZ
Czar Plum	Prunus domestica ‘Czar’	10-13 Feet	Round and stunningly blue	White	Deciduous	6
Black Amber Plum	Prunus salicina	A dwarf variety at only 6 feet in height	A large fruit that is dark purple, almost black, 5 cm by 3 cm	Beautiful white flowers tinged with pink	Deciduous	6-8
Ruby Queen Plum	Prunus salicina	20 Feet	A large juicy fruit that is sweet to the taste. Reddish-black.	White	Deciduous	5-8
Damson Plum	Prunus domestica	20 Feet	Blue and ovoid	White	Deciduous	5-7
Stanley Plum	Prunus domestica	8-20 Feet	dark purple blue with a sweet, rich flavor	White	Deciduous	5-8
Mirabelle Plum	Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca	12 Feet	Sweet, good to eat fresh and also for desserts	White	Deciduous	5-8
Underwood Plum	Prunus ‘Underwood’	4-15 Feet	Rich flavor	White	Deciduous	3-5
Coe’s Golden Drop Plum	Prunus domestica ‘Coes Golden Drop’	13 Feet	Very sweet, juicy, and bright yellow	White	Deciduous	5-9
American Native Plum	Prunus americana	8-15 Feet	Small, red, and perfect for making jams	White	Deciduous	3-7
Victoria Plum	Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’	8-20 Feet	Red/orange in color. Good to eat fresh or to bake in desserts	White	Deciduous	5-7
Black Beauty Plum	Prunus nigra	6-10 Feet	Small, deep purple	Bright pink	Deciduous – deep burgundy color	4-9
Shiro Plum	Prunus salicina	18-20 Feet	Large, yellow, and tasty	White	Deciduous	5-9

Propagating Purpleleaf Plum

If you’re patient instead of purchasing the sapling or young tree from the nursery, it is possible to grow purpleleaf plums from wood cuttings

1. When white flowers begin to begin to appear, slice a flower buds approximately 1/8 inches in diameter and about 6 inches long using the sharpest, most clean knife. Take all the leaves, excluding the three or four leaves that are in the upper third.
2. Incubate the cut-off end with roots-promoting hormone and place the cut end in a 4-inch pot which is filled with moist pots of potting mix.
3. Maintain the cut outside in direct light and make sure to water it frequently. The new growth indicates that roots are beginning to form.
4. When you plant it in your landscape in the landscape, allow the sapling to take a few seasons before transferring it to an even larger pot when needed. The more robust the sapling is when it is transplanted will have a better chances of surviving.

The tree is indigenous to Asia however, the majority of purpleleaf plums can be considered cultivars. Seeding them isn’t recommended as it will not produce a plant that is true to the type.

Finish

No matter if you’ve got the purple leaf plum tree pros and cons in your yard or are planning to plant one, it’s best to know the advantages and disadvantages. The tree’s benefits include it being attractive, able to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, and growing fruits.

But, there are several disadvantages to the planting of purple-leaf plums are diseases, insect infestations, invading behaviours, as well as the possibility of premature deaths.

The trees are higher maintenance when they are younger, but eventually become more self-sufficient with age. The lifespan of your purple leaf plum tree pros and cons is approximately 20 years. That’s enough time to appreciate the beauty of your tree.

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