Purple Pony Flowering Plum Tree
Prunus cerasifera 'Purple Pony'
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Purple Pony Flowering Plum Tree is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50 | $9.99 |
$50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
$100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
$150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Purple Pony Flowering Plum Tree highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring

Growing Zones 5-8
Homeowners across the country have fallen in love with the Purple Pony Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera 'Purple Pony'). This dwarf ornamental tree is a dependable accent with abundant shell-pink flowers in early spring, followed by lush, deep purple foliage. A true standout in the world of small ornamental trees, this flowering plum is non-fruiting, tidy, and simply gorgeous!
The single pale pink blooms call in the butterflies while adorning bare branches, then become covered in vivid purple-red foliage that never fades or dulls through the heat of summer. Compact in size and uniform in shape, Purple Pony Plum is an easy-care choice for today's smaller landscapes where color and form are in high demand.
Introduced in 1962, Purple Pony has been winning hearts for decades. A sterile, fruitless Flowering Plum, it's perfect for homeowners wanting beauty without the mess of fallen fruit. Beloved for its ornamental value, this tree will shine in your yard for years to come.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Abundant Shell-Pink Flowers for Pollinators
- Non-Fruiting and Sterile Flowers = No Mess!
- Rich Purple Leaves That Never Fade
- Burgundy Fall Color
- Compact Size - Perfect for Small Yards
- Sweet-Scented Flowers Attract Butterflies
- Tidy Growth Habit and Minimal Pruning
Landscaping Uses
Purple Pony Plum is the perfect small accent tree for modern yards. From its light pink blooms to striking purple leaves, this ornamental tree shines as a specimen or anchor tree in garden beds.
- Lovely specimen for front yard plantings
- Use as a pair at entryways or corners of homes
- Plant in rows to line a driveway or back fence
- Great small shade tree when limbed up
- Keep lower branches for privacy screening
- Adds dramatic color to compact urban lots
- Plant multiple for uniform hedgerows spaced 8-10 feet apart or single specimens 10-12 feet apart for dramatic curb appeal
Care & Maintenance
Purple Pony Plum thrives in USDA growing zones 5-9. This deciduous ornamental tree is hardy, non-fruiting, and compact, making it one of the easiest Flowering Plums to grow.
- Planting Time - Best planted in spring or fall
- Sun Requirements - Full sun, with part shade in hotter climates (afternoon shade is ideal)
- Soil Requirements - Needs well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range but dislikes poor drainage (plant on a mound or raised bed if needed)
- Moisture Needs - Moderate; water regularly during the first year. Use the Finger Test to monitor soil moisture
- Arborist Mulch - Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
- Fertilization Needs - Enrich soil with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Pruning Info - Prune when dormant (fall, winter, or summer). Light pruning maintains shape and structure. Avoid heavy spring pruning to preserve blooms. Learn about deadheading for perennials.
- Special Perks - cold-hardy, moderate drought-tolerant, great disease resistance, tidy growth, non-fruiting, easy-care
Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal support.
Pretty And Practical! Purple Pony Is A Winner
With gorgeous blooms, sterile flowers, rich purple foliage, and a compact habit, Purple Pony Plum Tree is a gardener's dream. This small ornamental tree delivers color, fragrance, and easy care without the fruit mess. Order your Purple Pony Plum Tree today from NatureHills.com and enjoy its beauty season after season!