Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'
Purple Cherry Plum

Prunus cerasifera ′Atropurpurea′ - Habit

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family) 211

Genus:

Prunus (Cherry Plum Cherry Laurel Almond Flowering Almond Birdcherry Laurel) 21

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 574

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Pink (0.75" diam., pale pink, solitary, 5-petaled, strongly fragrant flowers)

Foliage Notes:

Purple (Leaves emerge ruby red, ultimately becoming a dark reddish purple in the summer; there is no significant fall color change)

Fruit Notes:

Purple (1" edible, mildly sweet, but not flavorful, fruits in late summer)

Ultimate Height:

15-30 feet

Ultimate Spread:

15-25 feet

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Tolerant of typical soils, if well-drained; pH adaptable

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Shrub-like tree with a rounded form and spreading branches. Leaves are red-purple, 1.5-2.5" long, simple, alternate, ovate to obovate, and finely serrated. There is no spur growth.

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Cherry Laurel

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

This tree is not pollution tolerant and is short-lived, often living to only about 20 years. There are numerous diseases and pests that can affect Prunus cerasifera, especially canker, fireblight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, aphids, scale, borers, and tent caterpillars. Despite its drawbacks, this tree is extraordinarily popular and has been used extensively in the landscape. The straight species Prunus cerasifera is not often seen, with purple-leaf forms, such as 'Atropurpurea' being the most predominant. This variant also has pale pink flowers and a more upright, dense habit than the straight species.

Plant Photo Gallery

Habit

Tree in Bloom

Leaf

Flowers

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Bark

When Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

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Fruiting

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Other plants like this Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (Purple Cherry Plum)

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