The purpleleaf plum tree, also known as Prunus cerasifera, is a beautiful ornamental tree that provides amazing reddish-purple foliage and fragrant pinkish-white flowers in spring. This medium-sized deciduous tree is easy to grow, care for, and maintain, making it a great addition to landscapes and gardens. With the right planting location and proper care, you can have a thriving purpleleaf plum tree that will provide stunning color, graceful shape, and ornamental interest.
Selecting the Right Location
When choosing a spot to plant your purpleleaf plum tree, site selection is key. This will ensure your tree thrives for years to come.
Light Conditions
- Purpleleaf plum trees need full sun exposure to develop their characteristic deep reddish-purple foliage. Select a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to turn more green than purple.
Soil Requirements
- Purpleleaf plums grow best in moist, well-draining loamy soil. Avoid planting in wet, poorly drained sites.
- Test the soil pH before planting. Ideal pH range is 6.0-7.0. Amend soil if needed to reach proper acidity levels.
- If soil is compacted, work in 2-4 inches of organic compost to improve drainage and nourishment.
Spacing
- Allow enough room for your purpleleaf plum to reach its full size. Space standard grafted trees 15-20 feet apart. Dwarf varieties can be spaced 10 feet apart.
- Consider the tree’s size at maturity when planting near structures, walkways, driveways, and other trees.
Planting Your Purpleleaf Plum Tree
Spring is the optimal time to plant new purpleleaf plum trees. This allows the tree several months to establish roots before winter. Follow these tips when planting:
Digging the Hole
- Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper. The base of the root ball should sit at ground level or slightly higher.
- Score the sides and bottom of the hole with a shovel to prevent glazing and improve drainage.
- Amend backfill soil if needed to improve nutrient content and texture.
Removing Container
- Carefully remove the tree from its container. Gently loosen circled roots on the sides and bottom.
- For potted trees, gently remove as much excess soil as possible before planting.
Setting the Tree
- Place the root ball in the center of the hole. Check that the base sits at ground level.
- Straighten the trunk if needed so it is upright. Face the nicest side of the canopy outward.
- Partially backfill the hole and gently pack soil to stabilize it. Do not cover any part of the root flare.
Watering and Mulching
- Water thoroughly until soil is moistened to a 12 inch depth.
- Spread 2-4 inches of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and inhibit weeds.
- Avoid fertilizing at time of planting. Wait 3-6 months until established.
Caring for Your Purpleleaf Plum Tree
Caring for your purpleleaf plum requires attentive watering, pruning, and pest management once established. Consistent care will keep your tree healthy.
Watering
- Purpleleaf plums need 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation, especially during summer.
- Drought conditions cause foliage to prematurely drop. Leaves may also turn green from lack of water.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deeply water at the tree’s roots. Avoid over head watering.
- Reduce watering frequency as needed during cool or rainy periods when tree is dormant.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize mature trees in early spring as growth resumes. Use a balanced 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer following label rates.
- Younger trees may need a second application in late spring or mid summer. Avoid late summer fertilizing.
- Alternatively, apply a 2-4 inch layer of aged compost around the root zone every other year.
Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring before bud break. Remove crossing, damaged, or inward facing branches.
- Thin inner branches to open the canopy and improve air circulation. Selectively remove about 25% of old wood.
- Head back long branches by 1/3 to shape canopy. Make cuts just above buds facing the tree’s exterior.
- Avoid heavy pruning that removes too much live wood at one time. This can trigger extensive suckering.
Pest Management
- Major pests include aphids, scale, tent caterpillars, borers, and mites. Inspect trees weekly for problems.
- Remove aphids and mites by spraying insecticidal soap. Control scale by spraying horticultural oil.
- Remove caterpillar nests manually or apply Bt-kurstaki. Prevent borers with proper care and preventative sprays.
- Always follow pesticide labels exactly. Many insecticides can harm pollinators – spray selectively when beneficial insects are inactive. Re-apply as needed.
Protecting Trees in Winter
- Wrap young tree trunks in late fall to prevent winter injury from rodents and sunscald. Remove in spring after chance of frost is past.
- Paint trunks with white latex paint diluted with water to reflect sunlight and prevent bark splitting.
Propagating Purpleleaf Plum Trees
You can propagate new purpleleaf plum trees from hardwood cuttings, root suckers, or by grafting. Here are some options:
Hardwood Cuttings
- Take 6-8 inch cuttings from healthy branches in late fall after leaf drop. Cut just below a node.
- Remove leaves then dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder/gel to encourage root growth.
- Place cuttings in pots filled with perlite, vermiculite, or potting mix. Bury 2 nodes underground.
- Maintain constant moisture and warmth. Roots may emerge in 8-12 weeks.Transplant out after 12 months.
Root Suckers
- Many purpleleaf plums send up suckers from the root system several inches away from the trunk.
- Carefully dig up the sucker with its attached roots and section of rhizome. Avoid damaging the main tree’s roots.
- Shorten sucker to 6 inches then immediately replant in prepared soil. Stake if needed while establishing. Keep well watered.
Grafting
- Graft in winter using the whip graft method. Select 1-year-old rootstock and scion wood of the same diameter.
- Make matching angled cuts on both pieces then join together tightly, matching cambium layers. Seal graft union with rubber bands/grafting tape.
- Plant the graft union 2-4 inches below soil level. Stake, water, and protect from frost/excess sun until established.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Proper planting and care will prevent many issues, but purpleleaf plums may encounter:
Insufficient Purple Foliage
- Ensure tree gets full sun – morning shade causes greener leaves. Supplement with foliar iron sprays.
- Drought stress and under fertilizing can reduce color intensity. Water regularly and fertilize in early spring.
Leaf Curling
- Main cause is excessive drought stress. Check soil moisture and water deeply at roots. Add mulch to retain water.
- Other factors include root damage, compacted roots, overfertilizing, and herbicide damage. Rule these out.
Dieback of Branches
- Prune off dead and dying branches back to healthy wood. Destroy pruned branches.
- Improve care to avoid stress – ensure adequate water, prune judiciously, and control borers.
- Winter injury causes dieback after harsh weather. Protect trunks and branches when dormant.
No Flowers/Fruits
- Many plum varieties require cross-pollination – plant another compatible variety nearby.
- Heavy pruning can temporarily reduce flowering. Avoid pruning in fall which affects flower buds.
- Extreme cold after flower formation can kill buds. Select late flowering cultivars in colder zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about growing purpleleaf plum trees:
How fast do purpleleaf plum trees grow?
Purpleleaf plums grow at a moderate rate of 13-24 inches per year eventually reaching 15-25 feet tall and wide. Dwarf cultivars reach 8-10 feet tall and wide. Trees may take 2-3 years after planting to become fully established.
What is the best time to plant a purpleleaf plum tree?
The optimal planting time is in early to mid spring once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. This gives the roots several months to establish before winter dormancy. Container-grown trees can also be planted in fall. Avoid summer planting.
How far apart should purpleleaf plum trees be planted?
Allow 15-20 feet between standard purpleleaf plum trees and 8-10 feet for dwarf varieties. Consider the tree’s expected mature width when spacing. Allow enough room for trees to develop their natural shape without excessive pruning.
How long do purpleleaf plum trees live?
With proper growing conditions and care, purpleleaf plum trees typically live 15-25 years. Some well maintained trees may survive 30 years or longer. Their lifespan is similar to other ornamental fruit trees like cherries, peaches, and apricots.
Should purpleleaf plum trees be staked at planting?
Staking is recommended for new plantings to support the tree while roots establish. Use a wide nylon or fabric tree strap attached low on the trunk to hold it upright, but allow some wiggle room for the trunk to strengthen. Remove support straps after 1-2 years.
Are purpleleaf plum trees self pollinating?
Most purpleleaf plum cultivars are self-sterile and require a compatible pollinator variety planted nearby to set fruit. Plant another European plum variety like Stanley or Italian prune plums to allow cross pollination.
How do I prune a purpleleaf plum tree?
Prune purpleleaf plums in early spring before buds swell, removing dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Selectively thin inner branches to open the canopy. Head back long branches by 1/3rd their length to encourage branching. Avoid heavy pruning that removes too much live wood at one time.
What causes purpleleaf plum leaves to turn green?
Insufficient sunlight, under-fertilization, drought stress, overwatering, root damage, and certain viral diseases can all cause purpleleaf plum foliage to fade to green or yellowish-green. Ensure proper care and promptly treat any underlying issues to restore color.
Conclusion
With stunning purple-red foliage, graceful shape, and ornamental appeal, the purpleleaf plum tree makes an excellent focal point or specimen planting in the home landscape. By selecting an appropriate sunny location, planting properly, providing attentive care, and pruning judiciously, you can grow a beautiful purpleleaf plum tree that thrives for years of beauty and enjoyment. Pay close attention to consistent watering, fertilization, pest control, and pruning needs each season. Your efforts will be rewarded with an eye-catching purpleleaf plum tree that stands out.