Prunus Cerasifera - Purple Leaf Plum Seedlings Details
Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera) Seedlings
Purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), also called cherry plum, is a small flowering tree with spring blossoms and reddish-purple leaves that hold their color from spring through fall. It is native to southeastern Europe and central Asia.
In spring, the tree is covered in an abundance of small, five-petaled pink or white flowers. After the flowers, the foliage attracts attention through the summer. The tree's rounded crown and typical branching structure make it a fit for entryways, borders, and perhaps a colorful informal screen. In midsummer, small round plums may be seen, though the purple-leafed trees don’t set much fruit.
Prunus cerasifera Seedlings: Friendly to Pollinators and Landscaping
During the spring, the purple leaf plum provides nectar sources for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The leaves are eaten by the eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar, while songbirds feast on the fruit.
Purple Leaf Plum Seedlings for Sale: Sizes, Spacing and Planting
This plant ships bare root. Our purple leaf plum seedlings for sale come 6 to 12 or 12 to 18 inches tall, in packs of 50, 100, or 500. Because the purple leaf plum isn't native here, check your state’s guidelines before planting in large numbers. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 8 and reaches 15 to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Purple leaf plum requires full sun and well-drained soil. Space seedlings about 15 feet apart for specimens, or 8 to 10 feet apart for a screen. Plant while dormant, at the depth they grew, and water weekly through the first summer. It grows fast but isn't a long-lived tree, often lasting around 20 years. Because these are grown from seed, leaf color can run from deep purple to bronze-green, so expect some variety in a pack. Protect young seedlings from heavy deer browsing.
Purple Leaf Plum Tree Seedlings for Ornamental Trees
If you're checking purple leaf plum seedlings for sale, these are an economical way to plant flowering trees in large quantities. They are a good choice for wholesale distributors, municipalities, universities and schools, parks, commercial properties, and homeowners who want beautiful trees with seasonal interest.
Purple leaf plum has brittle wood and can be susceptible to borers, aphids, Japanese beetles, and black knot. They grow fast and need to be pruned right after flowering. Keep the leaves, stems, and pits away from cats, dogs, and horses as they are toxic to them.
Planting & Growing Information
Ships: Between November 15-29
Planting Zone: 5-8
Height at Maturity: 15-30 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate
Sun or Shade: Full sun and Partial shade
Bloom Season: Early Spring
Care: Easy. Water weekly through the first summer, and prune right after it blooms if needed.
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Attributes: Ornamental Flowering Tree, Colorful Foliage, Spring Blooms, Host to tiger swallowtail caterpillars
For more planting and care information, read our guide to small ornamental trees. You can also explore our tree seedlings collection to discover more young trees for your landscape.
