Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with reddish-purple leaves and fragrant pinkish-white flowers in mid-spring. It may produce sparse purple-black summer fruit that songbirds eat. [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-x-cistena/) describes its size, flowers, foliage, and growing conditions. ## Growing Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil; the species tolerates clay, loam, and sandy textures. The Extension profile gives a mature height of 7–10 feet, spread of 5–8 feet, and USDA zones 2–8. Its spreading form works as a hedge, screen, or specimen shrub. ## Seasonal interest The leaves hold their reddish-purple color through the growing season, and fragrant flowers appear after foliage emerges in spring. Sparse small fruits may follow in summer and provide food for birds. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone watered during establishment and dry spells. Remove damaged or crowded stems and monitor for the insect and disease problems common to ornamental Prunus. The species can be short-lived, so use it where periodic replacement is manageable.