Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus cistena) are best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but best flowering and leaf color generally occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential. Prune as needed after flowering. Ovate-elliptical leaves with serrate margins are a distinctive and attractive reddish purple. Fragrant, solitary, white flowers with pink tints bloom in spring (April) after the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to a production of small blackish-purple fruits that mature in July. Fruits are eaten by birds.
- Type: Deciduous shrub
- Height: 6-10 Feet
- Spread: 5-8 Feet
- Hardiness Zones: 2-8
- Bloomtime: April
- Bloom Color: White/Pink, Fragrant
- Foliage Color: Dark Purple Shades
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water Requirements: Medium
- Soil Quality: Fertile, Moist, Well-drained soil
- Attracts: Birds