Cistena Plum - Prunus X Cistena

Cistena Plum is an ornamental tree with dark purple foliage and pink blossoms in spring, adding a pop of color to the landscape. It is a purple-leaf cultivar known for its stunning reddish-purple foliage and small edible fruits.

Also called the purple leaf sand cherry, it is a unique hybrid tree made by crossing several types of decorative cherry trees. This fascinating heritage results in a medium-sized tree with shockingly purple-hued leaves. The entire tree is covered in dense, dark-colored leaves. The leaves can range between deep maroon, dark burgundy, olive green, and ruby red. The unusually bright color makes them stand out from most other trees and shrubs.

Ways to Incorporate Cistena Plum Into Your Landscape

Purple-leaf sand cherry trees are medium-sized trees that can reach about 10 feet tall. Depending on how you choose to prune them, they can have a short, thick trunk with a wide canopy or a shrub-like appearance with several thin stalks. This versatility makes them popular with homeowners who want accent trees for their property. A few of them situated in a circular flowerbed can look quite dramatic. Bushier versions also work pretty well as a border or privacy hedge.

Cistena Plum Has Gorgeous Blooms In Spring

Sometime in spring, they bloom. This results in a thick coating of cherry blossoms along each stem and branch of the tree. The flowers are white with a purplish center that contains a spray of purplish stamens. Some variants can look pink due to the blend of purple, red, and white within each flower. The pale color provides an exciting contrast to the dark leaves of the rest of the tree. The petite flowers are usually just an inch or two in width. They drop a fine shower of small, rounded petals as they grow. 

After providing delicate flowers in spring and colorful leaves in summer, they undergo another transformation in autumn. It begins to grow small, red berries that cluster along each branch. As the months progress, these berries grow into round, glossy fruits that add even more visual appeal to this tree. Leaves darken to a bronze shade in the fall, providing a charming backdrop for the bright reddish-purple fruit.

The best thing that you will need to do for your plant is to ensure that it is watered during the right time of the year when it is growing. It should be a notch more than saturated but not waterlogged. Early spring is a good time to apply a balanced fertilizer rated at N-P-K 10-10-10, once in 6-8 weeks. 

It is noteworthy that Cistena plums do not independently pollinate or fertilize; thus, they require pollinators. More fruits are produced when two or more trees are planted to flower simultaneously. 

Compost manure can be used to enhance the quality of the ground and hence enhance the number of fruits produced. However, it should be pointed out that maintenance is a critical factor in the continued operations of the plant.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Red

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Cistena Plum thrives in well-drained soil and prefers regular watering. Prune annually to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Fertilize in early spring to support growth and flowering. Watch for pests and treat them promptly if needed.

Plant Reproduction

Cistena Plum spreads through suckers and seeds, forming dense clusters

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.