Guidelines for Cultivating and Maintaining Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Vanessa Richins Myers holds a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture and possesses more than a decade of expertise and training in the fields of horticulture and gardening.

The purple leaf sand cherry is an exquisite ornamental plant that enhances any garden. Its striking purple leaves provide visual interest from early spring until fall, when they transition to an impressive bronze-green hue. This plant is known for its rapid growth, low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in various soil and light environments, although its lifespan is relatively short.

Light

Purple leaf sand cherry thrives best in full to partial sunlight. Excessive shade can cause the leaves to turn a bronze-green hue prematurely, rather than in the autumn as expected. Furthermore, the plant’s flowering will be more abundant with increased sunlight exposure.

Soil

While the purple leaf sand cherry can grow in a variety of soil types, it flourishes in soil that is both moist and well-draining. The pH level is not a critical factor for this plant, but proper drainage is essential, as its roots tend to grow near the surface and are prone to rot.

Water

The purple leaf sand cherry requires consistent watering and does not withstand dry conditions well. Generally, watering it once a week is adequate, but you may need to increase the frequency if the plant has just been transplanted, is experiencing a spell of hot and dry weather, or is in its initial growth season.

Climate and Moisture Levels

This plant is remarkably resilient to various weather conditions, capable of enduring a range of temperatures during both summer and winter. However, specimens cultivated in consistently cooler climates may be smaller and yield fewer flowers. It is also capable of thriving in hot and humid summer conditions.

Fertilizer

Nourishing the purple leaf sand cherry can enhance its growth, but this is only essential when the soil quality is lacking.

Varieties of Decorative Cherry Trees

The purple leaf sand cherry is among the various ornamental cherry trees that showcase stunning blossoms, marking a highlight of the spring scenery. Additional varieties include:

• The Japanese cherry blossom tree (Prunus serrulata) is a rapidly growing species known for its ephemeral nature. It showcases beautiful pinkish-red flowers that bloom during the spring season.
• The weeping cherry tree (Prunus pendula) is admired in the spring for its beautiful blossoms and is appreciated throughout the year for its graceful shape.
• Higan cherry (Prunus x subhirtella) is a medium-sized decorative cherry tree that produces pink to white blossoms in the spring. The varieties typically available in nurseries are cultivars, such as ‘Autumnalis’, which flowers in the spring and occasionally during mild autumn days.
• The Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) is a compact grafted tree celebrated as the most favored flowering cherry in the Washington D.C. region. It is an early flowering species, producing aromatic blossoms with a hint of almond fragrance.
• ‘Darkstar’ (Prunus x cistena ‘UCONNPC001’) is a compact variety that reaches a height of just 5 feet and a width of 4 feet, exhibiting a moderate growth rate. It is the sole purple-leaved sand cherry that is suitable for cultivation in containers.

Trimming Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Pruning should take place following the spring flowering to preserve a more compact oval form or to establish a decorative hedge. Begin by cutting back the oldest branches, eliminating roughly one-third of the current growth.

Consistently eliminate any branches that are dead, damaged, or infected. To maintain the shrub’s designated area, trim away any suckers that emerge from the plant’s base.

The purple leaf sand cherry is typically cultivated as a thick, multi-stemmed shrub, although it can also be trimmed to form a small tree with a compact trunk.

Cultivating Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

As a hybrid, the purple leaf sand cherry cannot be grown from seeds. Instead, you can propagate it by utilizing the numerous suckers that emerge from the base of the shrub. Follow these steps during the early summer:

1. Use a trowel to carefully remove a few suckers. Choose the suckers that have the greatest number of roots connected to them.
2. Select a pot that is sufficiently spacious to hold the roots of the cutting. Fill it to the midpoint with potting soil.
3. Position the cutting in the middle of the container and fill it to the brim with potting soil. Lightly press the soil around the stem. Give it a thorough watering.
4. Position the pot in a well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture levels. Allow a minimum of one month, or until you observe substantial new growth, before moving it to the garden. Due to its broad, shallow root system and overall size, a standard purple leaf sand cherry is not suitable for container cultivation.

Frequent Insects and Plant Illnesses

The purple leaf sand cherry is a resilient species; however, it is particularly vulnerable to various pests and diseases, potentially reducing its lifespan to under a decade. Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles, as they can severely harm its leaves. Additional pests to be aware of include the peach tree borer, scale insects, spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, and tent caterpillars.

The shrub faces threats from various diseases, such as honey fungus, leaf curl, cankers, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and bacterial leaf scorch.

This tree is also somewhat impacted by black knot, a prevalent fungal infection characterized by black, corky growths on its branches, which hinder the flow of nutrients to the tree.

Tips for Encouraging Blooming in Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Flowering Periods

The purple leaf sand cherry bush flowers in April or May, following the appearance of its leaves. The flowering period lasts for one to two weeks, influenced by the weather.

How do the flowers of the Purple Leaf Sand Cherry appear and what fragrance do they emit?

The tiny flowers, resembling a soft pinkish-white, are shaped like saucers and feature centers that are red or purplish. They bloom in clusters and emit a gentle, pleasant aroma.

Ways to Promote Increased Flowering

Optimal blooming of the purple leaf sand cherry takes place when it is positioned in direct sunlight. If feasible, trim surrounding trees and shrubs to enhance light availability. Regularly pruning the shrub after it flowers each year promotes vigorous growth and the formation of flower buds.

Frequent Issues Associated with Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

While purple leaf sand cherry is visually appealing, it faces issues that can shorten its lifespan. Keep an eye out for these indicators.

Flaking, Dripping Stalks

The branches of the purple leaf sand cherry often exhibit peeling and sap exudation, especially when the plant suffers from cracks, cankers, or other injuries. It is important to meticulously cut away and discard these affected stems and branches to prevent the issue from worsening.

Branch Fracture

The branches of the purple leaf sand cherry can be susceptible to breakage due to the black knot fungal infection. If feasible, remove the black knot galls to help preserve the branches. Additionally, be cautious of frost cracks, which can result in wood decay and fractures. The tree has the potential to recover before any breakage occurs. Alternatively, you can protect it during winter by wrapping it or by trimming any excess bark.

Fading Foliage

Be vigilant for indicators of pests, including leaves that appear lacy or have holes, as well as foliage that is turning brown or wilting.

What are the drawbacks of cultivating purple leaf sand cherries?

The purple leaf sand cherry is a short-lived shrub, as it is susceptible to various pests and diseases.

Can you eat purple leaf sand cherries?

The bush yields a small quantity of black or purple berries during the middle of summer. Although the fruit is bitter and bears no similarity to edible cherries, it serves as a vital food source for various birds and wildlife.

What is the growth rate of purple leaf sand cherry?It increases in height rapidly, measuring between 12 to 24 inches annually.