Keeping a small lawn garden is a good way to fulfill your gardening desires. But besides roses and cherry tomatoes have you ever thought of growing something else? Well, how about a tree with some beautiful flowers and their aroma filling your house with the incoming breeze. If that sounds perfect, we suggest you grow a purple leaf plum tree because of its fragrance and beauty. In this article, get to know all about how to grow a purple leaf plum tree.
1. What is a Purple Leaf Plum Tree?
Prunus cerasifera is the botanical name of a species of plum tree. Commonly called myrobalan plum or cherry plum, they are native to Western Asia and Southeast Europe. In the British Isles and North America, they are domesticated because of their characteristics. Also, check out what do cherry blossoms symbolize?
A plum tree can be 15-20 feet tall and wide. They look like small trees or large shrubs with deciduous leaves. They are among the first bloomers in spring. They have flowers with five petals which are pale pink to white in color while their fruit ripens between early July and mid-September. Many varieties of plum trees with dark red to purple foliage are known as purple leaf plum trees that produce an abundance of white to light pink spring flowers. Continue to read to know the answer to how to grow a purple leaf plum tree. (Also read Where Did Chili Originate?)
2. What Kind of Soil is Best for it?
Purple plum grows best in loamy soil where the drainage system is accurate. It will also survive clayey or sandy soil and grow well. Acidic soil or neutral soil is also acceptable. Over-pollution of urban areas is not ideal for these plants. (Also read What Does Mulch Do?)
3. What Temperature is Correct?
They easily adjust with humidity. They are comfortable in both cold and hot weather. Only below zero degrees is too cold for them. If watered properly, they can withstand the hot season with ease. (See 18 Purple Flowering Shrubs For Your Garden)
4. How much Sunlight is Required?
The first step of how to grow a purple leaf plum tree is to choose a sunny point. They need sunlight throughout the day to develop purple-colored foliage. They require very little time in the shade. In fact, they get purple color in their leaves from the sunlight as keeping them under shade results in green-colored leaves. (Also read What Would Happen if There was No Sunlight?)
5. How much Water is Needed?
Moderately moist soil is good for them. When the roots expand and the tree is settled, it becomes tolerant of droughts as well. However, during the rainless season or heatstroke, you will have to maintain the moisture in the soil through proper watering.
There should be a proper drainage system in the soil and if not then water them with caution and avoid waterlogging. You will have to maintain effective watering sessions from spring to fall for proper growth. (Also read Hydroponics: Plants That Grow In Water Only)
6. Are Fertilizers Required?
It can survive well on garden soil if it is rich in nutrients. You should, however, use an all-purpose fertilizer annually in the Spring season. It will enhance new growth and support the previous growing blooms. If your garden soil is rich, you don’t have to worry about how to grow a purple leaf plum tree as you can easily fertilize your plant after every two to three years. (See How many Seeds does a Strawberry have?)
7. How to Care for the Plant?
How to grow a purple leaf plum tree if you can’t take out some time for its maintenance? Although it is a low-maintenance tree that survives for 20 years, feeding and pruning should be done annually. These will allow proper growth in different parts of the plant. When pruning, simply remove the dead, diseased, and damaged branches and parts of the plant but do not overdo it. Must read why do potatoes sprout?
Be prepared to clean the fallen fruits from these trees. It would be better if you plant these trees where the sunlight is good but foot walking activity is less. (Also read How Does Cactus Grow in Desert?)
8. Do these Trees Attract Pests?
Plants are the home of several insects and they attract them. In this case, the tree is delicate and prone to pests, diseases, and insects. If your tree appears discolored, has damaged foliage, and is wilted then beware, it is a sign that your tree is infected with pests and diseases. So how to grow a purple leaf plum tree in your garden if you are facing these issues?
In that case, it is advised to contact an Arborist. They are specialists and will help you solve any issues related to diseases and pests swiftly. Grey mold, leaf spots, cankers, and black knots are a few common diseases affecting the purple leaf tree. While insects that attack this plant include borers, Japanese beetles, tent caterpillars, mealybugs, and scales. (See How to Get Rid of Gnats without Apple Cider Vinegar?)
9. What are the Varieties of Purple Leaf Plum Trees?
Some other varieties of this plant can also be chosen if you want to plant them in your garden. Different varieties are demanded as they provide different colorful effects.
- Thundercloud is the most commonly demanded variety of this tree. It is small (15-25 feet tall) but has deep purple leaves. Amazingly its flowers bloom on the tree even before the leaves appear. Flowers are fragrant and make your garden stand out. They can be grown in loamy soil but should be well-drained. (Also read Types of Trees with Purple Flowers)
- Newport is round and has small shrub-like trees. Commonly called Cherry plum, they reach a height of 15 to 25 feet relishing the full sun. Blooming takes place in April and the flowers are white to pale pink in color. It does not take up much space in your garden and requires medium watering.
- Krauter Vesuvius is also commonly known as cherry plum and its flowers are pink colored and bloom in April. They prefer full sun mainly while a little time in the shade is alright for them. They appear similar to Thundercloud but their leaves are darker during spring.
- Atropurpurea also enjoys sunny days and blooms during the spring season with pink to white-colored flowers. Their leaves are colorful and range from red to purple. It is also known as cherry plum or Pissard Plum. Also, check out the 27 types of green apples.
Now you know how to grow a purple leaf plum tree with all the requirements and caring tips. They are many more varieties to select from other than purple leaf plum trees. It is time to start working on your little garden. (Also read How to Grow Purple Sunflowers?)
