Purple Plum Tree Facts That You Need To Know About Right Away

Have you ever seen a purple-leaf cherry tree in full bloom?

These tall trees with deep red-purple foliage and light pink showy flowers are a sight to behold in a sea of green. These deciduous trees thrive best in the full sun and with plenty of water.

Interested in learning more about the dark purple marvels? We've got you covered- let the nature lover in you take over as we tell you how to identify a purple-leaf plum tree and how to care for your very own purple-leaf plum sapling.

Classification Of Purple Plum Tree

The scientific name of the purple-leaf plum tree is Prunus cerasifera, and it belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is part of the Plantae kingdom. The purple-leaf plum tree is part of the genus 'Prunus', which contains all plum, cherry, apricot, almond, peach, and nectarine-bearing trees and shrubs.

Habitat Of Purple Plum Tree

The Purple leaf cherry tree is native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia. According to reports, the purple-leaf plum tree originates in Iran. It was brought over to France as an ornamental tree, and in addition to being naturalized in the British Isles, it can also be found in a few isolated sites in North America. It can also be found in Southeast Australia. However, it is considered to be an invasive species here due to its wide reach, which may create competition among local species. 

Purple Plum Tree Facts

Persia, which is modern-day Iran, is where the Purple Leaf Plum Tree first became popular. M. Pissard transported the first tree purple plum tree to France from Persia in 1880, from where it spread to the rest of the world. Though the purple plums that it produces aren't really tasty when eaten raw, the tree still gained prominence due to its beautifully hued red and purple leaves. Today, it is cultivated more as a decorative tree rather than for its fruit. 

The plum tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree, which means that it sheds its leaves once the season is over. It often rises to a height of 15 to 25 ft (4.6-7.6 m), with the treetop eventually reaching around 20 to 25 ft (6-7.6 m) once it reaches full maturity.

Purple Plum trees can also grow pretty wide- they are known to grow up to widths of 25 ft (7.6 m)! Farmers usually have to plant them at large intervals to account for this growth so that each tree can grow with adequate sunlight and nutrients and prevent competition for resources. It is recommended that each tree get its own patch so it can take in the benefits of the full sun.

The leaves come in a variety of hues, from dark crimson to purple. They are oval in shape and serrated at the edges. The leaves typically grow between 1.5 and 3 in (3.8-7.6 cm) long. Purple plum trees completely shed their leaves during the fall season, around late August to September. The color of the leaves also depends on how much sunlight the tree receives- the more sunlight the tree absorbs, the deeper the color of the leaves!

Purple Plum trees can reproduce through both self-pollination and cross-pollination. This means that the pollen produced by one bloom can be used to pollinate both the same flower as well as other flowers on the same tree. This means that anyone can plant a single plum tree if they wish, and it will bloom all the same.

Purple Plum trees are known for producing beautiful fragrant blooms in the spring, often between February and April, that come in hues of white to light pink. Each flower has five petals, with multiple stamens protruding from the blossoms.

The flowering trees begin to grow little plums around July, which are ripe and ready to eat by August. However, it is quite possible that a tree may end up not bearing any fruit, with the flowers shriveling up and shedding along with the rest of the leaves. Fruit-bearing trees produce small plums that are no larger than an average cherry. These plums may be red, yellow, or purple.

You'll find that the fruit might be sweet or more tart, depending on how the tree was nurtured. Since the purple plum tree doesn't always produce fruit of great quality, it has been compared to the fruit of a crab apple tree.

The fruit of the purple-leaf plum tree is best consumed as jam. The jam prepared from these cherry plums is a deep, dark purple color which makes it very attractive to look at, and the added sugars pair well with the natural tartness of the fruit, which may taste unpleasant when consumed in its raw form.

In addition, the popular Georgian meals kharcho soup and chakapuli stew, as well as tkemali sauce, are all made using cherry plums from the purple leaf cherry tree. 

The fruit of the purple-leaf plum tree includes minerals and phytochemicals that are believed to lower inflammation. Since these plums suppress inflammation, consuming them may minimize the risk of developing heart disease. They also contain fiber, which is good for the digestive system; and can help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels when consumed. 

Though the purple-leaf plum tree is quite low maintenance in hindsight, it may suffer from a type of fungus called Podosphaeria oxyacanthe. This can cover the leaves with a powdery substance and cause them to curl up. It can also permanently stunt the growth of the tree and leaf coverage if not dealt with promptly. The best way to prevent this is to use an adequate amount of fertilizer and make sure the tree is receiving enough water.

Purple leaf plum trees grow best when planted in soils with an acidic to neutral pH. The best soil type for them is loamy soil. They hate dry, compacted soil, so it is best to plant them in loose, moist ground.

Purple-leaf cherry trees even come in a dwarf variety, which is known as the Purple Pony tree. It is deep red and purple foliage. The Purple Pony variety does not grow any fruit and is purely ornamental in nature.

FAQs

Do purple plum trees produce fruit?
Yes, purple-leaf plum trees produce small red, yellow, or purple fruits that are known as cherry plums. However, it is probably best to eat them cooked or as part of a recipe rather than in their raw form, as it has an acquired taste and can be quite sour.

What does a plum tree leaf look like?
Purple-leaf plum trees are easily recognizable- they are known for their oval, purplish-red leaves. The intense color of their leaves makes them extremely eye-catching and a popular choice for landscapers and plant lovers looking to add a splash of color to their gardens and yards.

What makes leaves fall off a purple plum tree?
Purple-leaf plum trees are deciduous, which means that they shed their leaves every year. The tree's deep purple leaves are usually shed during the fall season, around August and September.

What type of fertilizer is best for a purple-leaf plum tree?
The best fertilizers for purple-leaf plum trees are fertilizers that are rich in nitrate, potassium, potassium nitrate, sulfate of nitrate, and Coryneum.

When to trim purple-leaf plum trees?
The best time to trim your purple leaf plum is in late spring or early summer after the plant is already done flowering for the year. Some plum trees may even develop silver leaf fungus- in which case it is best to trim them in the middle of the summer.

How to grow purple leaf plum tree from seed?
The best way to grow a purple-leaf plum tree from a seed is to place it covered in moist soil. The sapling can be grown in a small pot placed in a cool area, after which it should be transferred outside in the full sun. Ensure to provide the sapling with enough water, but do not overwater it.

How to tell if a purple leaf plum tree is being over or under-watered?
If you notice that the leaves of your purple leaf plum tree are dry and brown and curling up, it could be because of underwatering.

On the other hand, leaves that seem healthy but break easily or do not darken into a deep purple color may be the result of an overwatered tree. You can also check the soil around the tree- if it is still moist hours after watering the plant, then you are giving it more water than it can absorb.