A popular flowering plum with deep blackish-purple foliage held all season and single pale-pink blossoms wreathing the bare branches in early spring. A reliable purple-leaf feature tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 6 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black Cherry Plum
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is a moderate-growing tree in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and purple-toned foliage. Pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Black Cherry Plum
Black Cherry Plum suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Black Cherry Plum does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Black Cherry Plum is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Black Cherry Plum after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Black Cherry Plum in the garden
Black Cherry Plum earns its place for a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Black Cherry Plum with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Black Cherry Plum
Plant Sale lists Black Cherry Plum as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.