Purpleleaf Sand Cherry Prunus 'Trailblazer' (C/d)
ABOUT
Prunus 'Trailblazer' is a deciduous tree that is known for its striking ornamental features, which make it popular in landscaping and garden designs. It blossoms in the early spring, producing an abundance of pink flowers that can vary from pale to a more vivid hue. These flowers are typically five-petaled and grow in clusters, creating a showy display against the backdrop of the emerging green leaves. After the flowering period, the tree bears fruit, which are small stone fruits that can range from red to purple in color, often enjoyed by birds and wildlife. The leaves of the Prunus 'Trailblazer' are oval to lanceolate in shape with pointed tips and finely serrated edges. They exhibit a glossy surface and have a leathery texture, with a rich green color that can turn to bronze or red shades during the fall, adding a burst of autumnal color to the landscape. The bark of the tree is smooth and can have a reddish-brown tone, providing additional visual interest throughout the year. Overall, Prunus 'Trailblazer' is noted for its seasonal changes, with spring blossoms, summer fruits, and vibrant autumn foliage, which together create a dynamic and attractive display in any setting where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Trailblazer Cherry.
Common names
Prunus 'Trailblazer'
ToxicityTo humans
Prunus 'Trailblazer' is commonly known as the cherry tree, and while the fruit is edible, other parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, and seeds, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic. If ingested, these compounds can cause cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cherry tree poisoning can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, confusion, increased heart rate, and even seizures or coma in severe cases. Consuming large quantities of the seeds or leaves could potentially be fatal due to the release of cyanide upon digestion.
To pets
The cherry tree, as with humans, can be toxic to pets if they ingest parts other than the ripe fruit. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning in pets. Symptoms in pets may include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock. In severe instances, ingestion can be fatal. Care should be taken to prevent pets from accessing and chewing on any fallen leaves, branches, or seeds from the cherry tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Trailblazer' Cherry adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes with its decorative blossoms.
- Shade Production: As it matures, it can provide shade in gardens and outdoor areas.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees during flowering season.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers multi-season interest with flowers in spring and vibrant leaf color in autumn.
- Erosion Control: The tree's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Privacy: When planted in rows, it can create a natural privacy screen.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage of Prunus 'Trailblazer' can provide nesting sites and shelter for small birds and other wildlife in a garden setting.
- Dye Production: The bark and leaves may be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, though this is a less common use.
- Woodworking Projects: As the plant matures and if pruned or branches removed, the wood can be used for small woodworking projects like crafting utensils or decorative items.
- Photography Subject: The vibrant blossoms of Prunus 'Trailblazer' can be a popular subject for photographers, especially during springtime.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and horticulture practices.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the beauty of the 'Trailblazer' as inspiration for various forms of art, from painting to poetry.
- Seasonal Decorations: Branches of blossoms can be cut and used for indoor floral arrangements or as part of seasonal decorations during spring.
- Erosion Control: Planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion, the root system of Prunus 'Trailblazer' can help stabilize soil.
- Sound Barrier: A row of these dense shrubs can help muffle noise pollution from a nearby road or neighbor when planted as a hedge.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its density and height when fully grown, it can be used to increase privacy in a yard or garden area.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: As a member of the Prunus genus, which includes cherry trees, the 'Trailblazer' shares the symbolic meaning of renewal because cherry blossoms are among the first to bloom in spring, signifying the end of winter and the start of a new growth cycle.
- New Beginnings: Cherry blossoms are often associated with the start of something new, reflecting how the 'Trailblazer' can symbolize the dawn of new endeavors or life phases.
- Impermanence: The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, which bloom intensely but briefly, reminds observers of life's ephemeral qualities, thus 'Trailblazer' can represent the transient nature of life and beauty.
- Beauty: Cherries are universally admired for their delicate and attractive flowers, so 'Trailblazer', with its beautiful blossoms, is a symbol of beauty and aesthetic appreciation.
- Love: Cherries are sometimes considered symbols of love and romance, possibly due to their color and brief blooming period, making 'Trailblazer' a fitting representation of affection.
WaterThe flowering plum, commonly referred to as Prunus 'Trailblazer,' should be watered deeply to ensure the water reaches the root zone, approximately once per week during dry periods. For mature plants, a general guideline is to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water weekly. During the hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency to twice per week. However, it's essential to check the soil moisture first, as overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering. During the winter or cooler months, when the plant is dormant, you should reduce watering frequency.
LightThe flowering plum prefers full sun conditions to thrive. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot in the landscape that provides unobstructed sunlight for most of the day is best to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureFlowering plums tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best where the average temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. They can withstand winter lows down to about -20°F and summer highs up to around 90°F. Avoid locations where temperature extremes are common, as these can stress the plant.
PruningPruning the flowering plum is essential to remove dead or diseased branches, to shape the tree, and to promote healthy growth. It is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done annually, removing no more than 25% of the tree's canopy at one time to avoid stress on the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Prunus 'Trailblazer', commonly known as the flowering cherry or ornamental cherry, should be well-draining and fertile; a mix of loam, compost, and sand would be ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingThe flowering cherry typically does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingThe flowering cherry requires moderate humidity levels for optimal growth, making standard outdoor humidity conditions suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and avoid dry heat sources.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, protect from strong winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Prunus 'Trailblazer', commonly known as the Flowering Plum 'Trailblazer', starts its life as a seed, which under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The seedling grows into a young sapling, developing a root system and foliage as it establishes itself. The sapling matures into a flowering tree over several years, experiencing annual growth spurts during spring and summer. It reaches reproductive maturity, blossoming with vivid flowers in spring which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of fruit that contains seeds. These fruits are then dispersed by various means, such as consumption by wildlife, allowing the seeds to potentially germinate and begin a new generation. The tree will continue this annual cycle of growth, flowering, and fruiting for its lifespan, which can be several decades, before it eventually senesces and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Prunus 'Trailblazer', commonly known as flowering cherry, is best propagated during its dormant season, which lies in the late fall to early spring. The most popular method of propagation for this species is through hardwood cuttings. These cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free mature plants during dormancy when the tree's energy is stored in its roots and there are no leaves to support. A hardwood cutting is usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, containing several nodes, where the leaf and branch stem meet the main branch. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a soil mix that provides good drainage. It's important to keep the cutting moist but not soggy until it roots, which could take several months. Hardwood cuttings are slow to root, requiring patience and care, but this method is cost-effective and maintains the genetic clone of the parent plant.
