Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Prunus x cistena

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Purple Foliage All Season Long with Spring Pink Blossoms and Bird-Attracting Fruit
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-7
Grows 10 ft Tall, 8 ft Wide
Showy Pink, White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge

$64⁹⁴

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the richest deep purple foliage, plant in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade, the leaves will often fade to a bronzy green and the spring flower show will be significantly thinner.
Soil: This shrub thrives in well-drained soil and dislikes "wet feet" or standing water. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound or add organic compost to improve drainage; for sandy soil, mix in peat moss to help hold moisture during the heat of summer.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Sand Cherry deeply twice a week to ensure the root system establishes firmly. Once mature, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering during dry spells can lead to premature leaf drop or smaller fruit. Aim to soak the soil around the base rather than spraying the leaves to prevent fungal spots.

Pruning Tips

Since these shrubs bloom on "old wood" produced the previous year, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Use a thinning technique by removing the oldest, heaviest canes down to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth from the center. Think of it like a rejuvenating haircut that keeps the plant from becoming leggy and maintains that vibrant purple color on fresh stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because they can force soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by winter temperatures, which can lead to dieback the following spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Edible, Flowering, Fragrant, Drought resistant, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	10 ft
Width	8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink, White
Foliage Color	Purple, Red
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Cherry
Botanical Name	Prunus x cistena
Species	x cistena
Class	Magnoliopsida, Rosales
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Are you in the market for an outstanding accent plant to use as a focal point in your landscape? "Ornamental" is certainly the perfect word for the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena). This is one of the very best selections for foliage, flowers, and bird-watching!

A hybrid cross between Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) and Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila), you end up with an absolutely beautiful large shrub or small tree for you, your landscape, and your wildlife!

Spring erupts in a flush of reddish-purple foliage that is semi-gloss and profuse! Soon the darling pink buds pop open to reveal white to baby pink petals with dark pink centers and stamen. These fragrant spring blooms are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects and pollinators!

Prunus are members of the Rose family, so the overall look of the flowers is really pretty! From a distance, the entire shrub appears to be a soft purplish-pink cloud!

The reddish foliage mellows to a gorgeous purple, and they'll maintain that strong color in your yard throughout the summer months. Even the young bark has a purplish hue!

Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry is a wonderful plant for birds! Small blackish-purple fruits appear in July and are enjoyed by both songbirds and can even be eaten by people! But the fruit is small and not as noticeable, but the birds love to feast on these tiny cherries! You'll feel a sense of pride that you gave our feathered friends a helping hand to prepare for winter, as the summer season begins to draw to a close.

Sandcherry are hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 7 and only reach a 6-8 foot tall height with a slightly wider spread at maturity. Also called the Dwarf Red-Leaf Plum, as fall comes on, you'll see the leaves transition to a red-bronze hue before they drop from the plant. What a show!

Planting and Application:

The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is a dense-growing shrub that reaches an impressive size for a shrub if allowed to grow naturally. However, you can easily prune it to stay within a desired size. It's versatile and can be trained into either a single-stem small tree form, or used as a natural shrub with lower branches. Either way, this is a highly ornamental plant that is worthy of an esteemed location in your landscape!

People love using this ornamental deciduous shrub near an entranceway to welcome guests. It has such a wonderful look, it helps spark conversation right off the bat! This shrub is pretty in every season, including winter, thanks to its graceful branch structure and unique foliage color.

Include this plant in a mixed foundation planting. It's gorgeous near your front door or placed at the corner of your house. Mix the shrub form with the single-trunked Tree Form for a unique display! You'll appreciate how the effect captures attention!

Raise this beauty high on a berm in your front yard, underplanted in Cranesbill Geranium, and surrounded with Coneflowers, Wild Roses, and late-blooming Sedum for a pinkish display all growing season long!

Plant several as a hedge along your patio to give yourself a very appealing visual barrier and light screening. This lovely shrub won't make your yard look like a fortress! Tough enough for Rock Gardens, and pretty enough for an informal Cottage Garden, the purple foliage stands out beautifully without being pretentious.

Place this accent shrub in a prominent position where you'll be able to enjoy it throughout the year. You'll delight in the passing seasons by watching the growth of the dark leaves, and delicate flowers transform into the tiny cherries. You won't be able to keep your eyes off it!

And it's not just sight, this plant also has appeal for your ears! The leaves catch the breeze and provide gentle sounds to your garden environment. Set up a garden bench nearby to watch the pollinators flutter, and then in the fall, you'll hear bird calls as they come to reap the cherry harvest.

Eye-Catching Pinkish-White Flowers
Reddish New Growth Ages to Striking Purple Foliage
Bronze Red Foliage in Autumn
Tiny Edible Cherries Attract Birds Birds Birds!
Edible Raw or Cooked - Make Great Preserves!
Specimen Shrub or Tree, Hedges, Accents, Backdrops & Focal Point Color

#ProPlantTips for Care:

As with all plants sold by Nature Hills, read our Plant Highlights to learn about the unique growing conditions and preferences. Full sun will keep the best leaf color and excellent uniformity. You'll also want to ensure it has moist, well-draining soil for the best performance. Just like people, a healthy tree is a happy tree!

Provide new shrubs with regular water to get them established, however, once they are settled after their first year, Sand Cherry becomes drought-resistant and very low-maintenance! You can topdress the soil surface with 3-4 inches of arborist mulch to help shrubs planted in some of the harshest sites thrive with minimal supplemental moisture.

This is a low-maintenance, medium-sized shrub. It tends to establish itself very quickly, so you won't have to wait long to witness its outstanding benefits! Plant with Nature Hills Root Booster to set up the root system for life with symbiotic mycorrhizal fungal support from day one!

Prune these deciduous shrubs in the very early spring, before you see new growth. They can develop an upright growth habit that becomes open and spreading with age. Air circulation is important for this tree, so give it "elbow room" and let it truly shine for you. Give Purpleleaf Sand Cherry plenty of room to grow into its full mature size. This will eliminate heavy pruning chores for you.

Full Sun For Best Color & The Most Flowers
Any Well-Drained Organic Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs & Appreciates Mulched Beds
Prune Very Early Spring
Very Cold-Hardy & Easy To Grow!

If you're looking for a pretty shrub to captivate you year-round, the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is the perfect choice. Purpleleaf Sandcherry are hardy, long-lived, and beneficial to wildlife. Order yours today from Nature Hills Nursery and enjoy the convenience of having your landscape delivered to your front door!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Purpleleaf Sand Cherry perform in colder climates?

The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is hardy in USDA zones 4-7, making it well-suited for cold climates. This tough shrub reaches 6-8 feet tall and maintains its purple foliage color throughout summer even in northern regions. Plant it in a protected spot for best winter performance.

What is the mature size of Purpleleaf Sand Cherry?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry reaches 6-8 feet tall with a slightly wider spread at maturity. This dense-growing shrub can be maintained at a smaller size with pruning if desired. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile accent plant that thrives in zones 4-7.

How often should I water this plant?

Water Purpleleaf Sand Cherry deeply once weekly during its first growing season to establish roots. Once established in zones 4-7, this drought-tolerant shrub needs watering only during extended dry periods. Check soil moisture 2 inches down before watering.

What pests should I watch for?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids and spider mites during hot, dry spells. Scale insects may also appear on older branches. Monitor your shrub regularly during summer months and treat with horticultural oil if needed.

Can I shape it as a single-trunk tree or multi-stemmed shrub?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry can be trained as either a single-trunk small tree or left as a natural multi-stemmed shrub. This versatile 6-8 foot plant responds well to pruning and shaping. Prune in late winter to establish your preferred form early, available at naturehills.com.

How long does this plant typically live?

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry typically lives 15-20 years with proper care in zones 4-7. This hybrid shrub may have a shorter lifespan than some other ornamentals but provides years of stunning purple foliage and spring blooms. Regular pruning and well-draining soil help maximize its productive years.

Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Prunus x cistena