Thursday 31 August 2017

FFF301 - PURPLE LEAF PLUM

Prunus cerasifera, or the purple leaf plum is a small deciduous tree commonly planted for its deep reddish-purple leaves and white/pale pink flowers that are among the first to appear in Spring. Although it is short lived, it is fast growing and great for use as a specimen or shade tree.

It is in the Rosaceae family, and this like many of the stone fruits are part of the Prunus genus. Purple leaf plum grows to approximately 4-6 m tall and wide at maturity, and has a rounded shape. It should be planted in a location with full sun. The leaves will turn green if grown in the shade. Most cultivars for sale have the reddish-purple leaves, there are ones with green foliage also available.

Flowers are small, fragrant and either white or pale pink. Purple leaf plum is one of the first trees to flower in the spring, with the blossoms appearing before the leaves. Although the fruits are small at only 3 cm, they are edible. These little gems can be yellow, purple, or red, depending on the cultivar chosen. Birds love to eat these fruits off the tree, too.

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7 comments:

  1. Now that is a picture of lovely spring!

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  2. I like plums, most of them. Would like to tast this one :)

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  3. Hello Nick,
    what a beautiful picture of the nicest blossoms in spring!
    Have a nice weekend,
    greetings moni

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  4. Nick, what a wonderful Spring addition. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Hello Nick,
    These flowers are always wonderful in spring.
    I like this very much.

    Have a nice weekend,
    greetings Elke

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  6. Purple Leaf Plum is one of my favorite flowering trees. Thank you for bringing a little spring our way!

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