Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' — Bushy

Overview

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' is a bushy tree in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' is a bushy deciduous tree cultivar within the Prunus genus, which includes both deciduous and evergreen trees or shrubs known for their prominent spring blooms and often vibrant autumn leaf colour. This cultivar thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, exposed position, and prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Propagation is typically by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Prunus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Exposed
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Tree
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Prunus padus 'Purple Queen'

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat
Pest resistance: Cherry blackfly, Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Caterpillars
Disease resistance: Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Prunus padus 'Purple Queen'?

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' need?

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' hardy in the UK?

Prunus padus 'Purple Queen' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Prunus padus 'Purple Queen'?

Softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat.

More in the Prunus genus

Browse all Prunus →