Prunus cerasifera, purple leaf plum, cherry plum
1 / 5
Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Prunus cerasifera

purple leaf plum, cherry plum

Rosaceae

Southeastern Europe and western Asia

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)
Width15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Prunus cerasifera is a small deciduous tree reaching 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) tall with a spread of 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m), developing a rounded to broadly spreading crown. The species type has green foliage and white flowers, but purple-leaved cultivars such as 'Atropurpurea', 'Thundercloud', and 'Krauter Vesuvius' are far more commonly planted. Bark is smooth, dark reddish-brown to gray, developing shallow fissures with age. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to obovate, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, with finely serrate margins. On the species type, foliage is green; on purple-leaved cultivars, foliage emerges deep reddish-purple and maintains purple tones through summer, fading somewhat in hot weather. Single flowers, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across, are white on the species type and pink on purple-leaved cultivars, appearing profusely in February to March before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Small cherry-like drupes, 0.75-1.25 inches (2-3 cm) in diameter, ripen red to purple in July to August on the species and some cultivars; fruit is edible but tart. Purple-leaved cultivars vary in fruit production — some are prolific, creating considerable litter on pavement. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Trees are relatively short-lived at 20-30 years. Susceptible to bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae), brown rot, aphids, tent caterpillars, and borers. Bacterial canker is the primary cause of premature decline in the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, from the Balkans through Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, and Central Asia. Occurs in hedgerows, woodland margins, and open rocky slopes. Widely naturalized in western Europe, parts of North America, and Australia. The purple-leaved form 'Atropurpurea' (Pissard plum) was introduced to France from Iran in 1880.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen or accent tree in residential landscapes for early spring flowers and purple foliage color. Space 15-20 feet (4.6-6 m) from other trees. Purple-leaved cultivars provide season-long foliage contrast in mixed borders. Fruiting cultivars create litter on pavement; select low-fruiting types for streetscapes. Short lifespan of 20-30 years requires planning for replacement. The species type is used as rootstock for ornamental and fruiting plum cultivars.

How to Identify

The species type is identified by white single flowers in late winter before leaf emergence, green foliage, and small red cherry-like fruit. Purple-leaved cultivars are identified by persistent reddish-purple foliage and pink flowers. Leaves are ovate, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, with finely serrate margins. Distinguished from Prunus x blireana by single (not double) flowers and typically heavier fruit production. Distinguished from Prunus virginiana 'Schubert' by smaller leaves and earlier bloom time.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
white

Foliage Colors

purple
green

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Flowers appear in February to March, among the earliest of any deciduous trees to bloom. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically begins in mid- to late February and lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers open before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Late frosts rarely affect bloom because flowers are cold-tolerant. Fruit ripens in July to August; production varies by cultivar.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink on purple-leaved cultivars; white on species type

Foliage Description

Reddish-purple on common cultivars; green on species type

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light; purple foliage color intensity diminishes in shade. Tolerates a range of soil types but requires good drainage; root rot develops in waterlogged conditions. Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae) is the primary disease concern, causing branch dieback, cankers with amber gum exudation, and premature decline. Prune only during dry weather to reduce canker infection risk. Aphids colonize new growth in spring; wash off with water or allow natural predator buildup. Tent caterpillars form webs in branch crotches in spring; remove webs when small. Fruit drop from productive cultivars creates litter and staining on pavement; site away from walks and patios where this is a concern.

Pruning

Prune in midsummer (June through July) during dry weather to minimize bacterial canker infection, which enters through wounds during cool, wet conditions. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Light thinning improves air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, which stimulates water sprouts. Remove any green-leaved reversions on purple cultivars immediately. Do not prune during wet weather or the dormant season in the Pacific Northwest.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans