Overview
Prunus cistena is a tree shrub in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus cistena grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders.
About
Prunus × cistena, the purple leaf sand cherry or dwarf red-leaf plum, is a hybrid species of Prunus, the result of a cross between Prunus cerasifera and Prunus pumila. A leggy bush or shrubby tree, it typically reaches a height of 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 ft) and has a useful life of 10–20 years.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus × cistena
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Prunus cistena size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Tree
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus cistena
- Propagation
- Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Plum moth
- Disease resistance
- Silver leaf, Brown rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Prunus cistena?
Prunus cistena prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus cistena need?
Prunus cistena grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Prunus cistena hardy in the UK?
Prunus cistena has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Prunus cistena?
Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings.
