Purpleleaf Sand Cherry Prunus × cistena
ABOUT
Prunus × cistena, commonly known as the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, is known for its striking reddish-purple foliage that makes it a favorite among ornamental shrubs. The leaves emerge as a bright red in spring, maturing to a rich purple hue that persists through the summer before transitioning to an attractive reddish-green in the fall. The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry blooms in the early spring, showcasing small, fragrant white to pink flowers that contribute further to its ornamental value. The blossoms are clustered along the branches and offer a pleasing contrast against the dark foliage. During the fall, the shrub produces small, round fruits which are purplish-black in appearance. These fruits are often hidden beneath the leaves and are popular with birds and wildlife. The overall shape of the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is rounded, with branches that can grow in a dense, bushy manner or be trained into a more tree-like form with careful pruning. The texture of the leaves is smooth with a slight shine that captures the sunlight, adding a glistening effect to the landscape. Its unique foliage color and the overall attractive presence of the plant throughout the seasons make it a compelling choice for gardens and decorative landscaping.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, Redleaf Sand Cherry, Purple-leaf Sand Cherry.
Common names
Prunus × cistena
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Prunus × cistena is the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry. This plant can be toxic to humans if ingested, as it contains compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when the plant tissue is damaged. If parts of the plant, particularly the seeds inside the pits, leaves, or stems are ingested, symptoms of poisoning can include headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and potentially can lead to cyanide poisoning. Ingesting significant quantities can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
To pets
The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry can also be toxic to pets if they ingest parts of the plant. Like in humans, the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when chewed or digested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. As with humans, the ingestion of large quantities can be fatal, and pets showing signs of purpleleaf sand cherry poisoning should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Pink
Height
7-10 feet (2.13-3.05 meters)
Spread
5-7 feet (1.52-2.13 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus × cistena) is often used in landscaping for its attractive purple-red foliage and delicate pink flowers that bloom in spring.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and adaptability to different soil types.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while the small cherries produced can attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.
- Compact Growth: With its small stature, typically not exceeding 7-10 feet in height, it is suitable for smaller garden spaces or as a foundational planting.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers year-round visual interest with its spring flowers, summer foliage, and sometimes colorful autumn leaves.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partial shade, providing flexibility in garden design and placement within a landscape.
- Windbreak and Privacy: When planted in a group, Purpleleaf Sand Cherry can act as a windbreak or privacy screen.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or areas with loose soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry produces stunning pink to purplish flowers that can be used in floral arrangements for decorative purposes.
- Bark Texture in Winter Gardens: The plant's dark, textured bark provides visual interest in winter gardens when the leaves have fallen.
- Photography Subject: The contrast between the dark foliage and the light pink flowers makes it a popular subject for garden and nature photographers.
- Privacy Screening: Due to its dense growth habit, Purpleleaf Sand Cherry can be used as a privacy screen in residential gardens.
- Bonsai: Some gardeners use this plant for bonsai due to its attractive leaves and manageable size.
- Focal Point in Rock Gardens: With its vibrant foliage, the plant can serve as an eye-catching focal point in rock and alpine gardens.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the blooming of cherry trees, including Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, can symbolize beauty and the ephemeral nature of life.
- Theme Gardens: The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is often used in theme gardens, such as ‘black’ or dark foliage gardens.
- Urban Landscaping: Due to its relatively small size and adaptability to various soil types, it is suitable for urban landscaping and street medians.
- Education and Demonstration: The plant can be used in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens to demonstrate pruning techniques and landscaping principles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: As a member of the Prunus genus, which includes cherry blossoms, Prunus × cistena often symbolizes the onset of spring and the idea of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Beauty: With its attractive dark purple leaves and pink to white flowers, this plant is often associated with natural beauty and aesthetics.
- Impermanence: Similarly to cherry blossoms, which are known for their fleeting beauty, Prunus × cistena can represent the ephemeral nature of life and the transience of beauty.
- Purity: The delicate flowers of Prunus × cistena are seen as symbols of purity and innocence, particularly in Eastern cultures where their blooming is celebrated.
WaterThe Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, or Prunus × cistena, should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, generally about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week depending on local weather conditions, more during hot and dry spells. Ideally, water should be applied directly to the base of the plant to minimize water on the foliage and reduce the risk of disease. In the first growing season, watering may be needed twice a week to help establish the plant. Reduce watering in the fall before the first frost to help the plant harden off for winter.
LightThe Purpleleaf Sand Cherry thrives in full sun conditions, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot is unobstructed from the south or west to maximize exposure to the sun throughout the day. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light can reduce flowering and compromise the vibrant leaf color.
TemperaturePurpleleaf Sand Cherry prefers temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 8. This shrub can withstand winter lows down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during its active growing season.
PruningPruning the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is essential to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as the plant flowers on old wood; too much pruning can reduce the number of blossoms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPurpleleaf sand cherry prefers well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix rich in organic matter will support healthy growth.
RepottingSince Purpleleaf sand cherry is commonly grown as an outdoor shrub, it does not require repotting. Instead, periodic planting and transplanting may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingPurpleleaf sand cherry does well in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing Purpleleaf sand cherry indoors is challenging due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, water regularly, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
2-8 USDA
Life cyclePurpleleaf sand cherry (Prunus × cistena) begins its lifecycle as a seed, which germinates in late spring and starts as a seedling. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase during which it develops roots, stems, and leaves, thriving best in full sun and well-drained soil. After a few years of growth, it reaches maturity and begins to produce flowers, typically in early to late spring, with small, fragrant pink or white blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant develops small purple drupes (cherries) in the summer, which are often consumed by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. The purpleleaf sand cherry experiences a period of dormancy in the winter where growth ceases, and it may drop leaves if the climate is cold enough. Over time, this plant may live for approximately 10 to 15 years, after which it will decline and eventually die, completing its lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry, Prunus × cistena, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is commonly performed in the late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but mature enough to root easily. A gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem that includes at least two sets of leaves, ensuring a clean cut below a leaf node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed to prevent excess moisture loss. The cut end is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and placed in a moist, soilless potting mix. Consistent moisture and warmth are maintained until the cuttings root, after which they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
