PRUNUS cerasifera 'Nigra'

Common name: Purple Leaved Plum

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: Balkans to Western Asia

Description: The leaves and stems of this small rounded tree are notably blackish purple and so provide interest throughout summer and even winter stems. In spring a mass of dainty pink blush flowers is produced

Uses: Suitable for smaller gardens and urban areas as the plant is easy to grow and manage. Responds well to pruning - can even be grown as a hedging plant

Climate/Position: Open sunny position preferred to ensure best shape and flowering

Height/Spread: 8 metres

Soil Requirements: Tolerant of most well drained soils including chalky soils

Pruning: Though generally no pruning is necessary except shaping young trees or removal of crossing branches, the tree does in fact respond well to pruning and can even be grown as an attractive flowering hedge. Prune in mid-summer after flowering

Additional Interest: Introduced in early 1900s, awarded the RHS AGM in 1993