Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Prunus × cistena

The Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its stunning deep purple foliage, fragrant pink-white spring flowers, and hardy adaptability. It is a cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), fast-growing, and ornamental plant that works well as a specimen shrub, hedge, or foundation planting in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (thrives in prairie climates, excellent cold tolerance)
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid standing water, as it does not tolerate wet feet.
• Spacing: 5-7 feet apart for hedging, 8+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 7-10 days in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate soggy conditions.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote fresh, healthy growth.
  • Trim lightly to maintain desired shape and size.
  • Every 3-4 years, rejuvenate by cutting back up to one-third of older branches to encourage new growth.

Flowers, Fruit & Foliage

• Bloom Time: Spring (April-May)
• Flower Color: Small, fragrant, pale pink to white blossoms
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Deep purple to burgundy leaves
  • Fall: Reddish-bronze foliage before dropping
• Fruit: Small dark purple cherries (edible but very tart, loved by birds!)

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, urban pollution, and deer (but may need protection from rabbits in winter)

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Japanese Beetles – Can feed on leaves.
  • Solution: Hand-pick beetles or use neem oil.

Common Diseases:

• Black Knot (Fungal Disease) – Forms black, swollen galls on branches.
  • Solution: Prune out infected branches 6 inches below galls and dispose of them.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 3-7.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.
• Rodent & Deer Protection: Use tree guards if rabbits or deer are a concern in winter.

Landscape Uses

Great for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Deep purple foliage provides season-long color contrast
Cold-hardy and easy to maintain
Attracts pollinators in spring and birds in summer/fall
Can be shaped into a small tree or kept as a shrub

Additional Notes:

• Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is one of the best ornamental shrubs for adding bold color to landscapes, offering three-season interest with minimal care.
• Lifespan: 15-20 years (prone to declining after this due to disease susceptibility).
• Works well in modern landscapes, cottage gardens, mixed borders, or as a hedge.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery